By Jones Anlimah
A clean-up exercise organised at the Ho Main Market and Lorry Park as part of activities marking the 2026 International Youth Day has brought renewed attention to what stakeholders and residents describe as poor drainage engineering at the exit of the Ho Main Lorry Station.
Participants observed stagnant water collecting at the terminal’s exit after discovering that drainage channels from adjoining gutters could not flow freely because an existing drain had been blocked during construction of shops at the terminal.
The Volta Regional Director of the National Youth Authority, Mr. Yao Semorde, said the situation required immediate engineering intervention to prevent damage to the facility.
“I think the engineers have to look at the place again because it is clear that the exit point of the main lorry park needs some re-engineering,” he said.
He called on the Ho Municipal Assembly to direct its engineers to reassess the drainage system.
“Otherwise, all the money we have invested into constructing this place will come to nothing. The gutters are choked. Water is collecting at a particular point. Water is not flowing through the gutters; it is just collecting,” he stated.
Mr. Semorde warned that continued stagnation could damage the road infrastructure and create sanitation concerns, adding that routine desilting of gutters would also help ensure the free flow of water and reduce unpleasant odours.
Chairman of the Progressive Transport Association and former Government Appointee at the Ho Municipal Assembly, Mr. Isaac Amenyo, attributed the problem to the reconstruction of facilities at the terminal.
“The drain existed in front of the terminal, but during the reconstruction of the buildings here it was filled up. Since then, nothing has been done about it, so it doesn’t flow anymore,” he explained.
According to him, rainwater from the market and surrounding areas now flows across the road whenever it rains because the drainage outlet has been obstructed.
Mr. Amenyo said transport operators had on several occasions informed the Municipal Assembly about the challenge.
“We have informed the Assembly to come and have a look at it. On some few occasions they have been here, so we think it is time they come and re-engineer it so that it can be put to use. As of now, it is bringing a problem. The sanitation aspect of it is very bad,” he said.
He appealed to the Assembly to act promptly to restore the drainage system and prevent further deterioration of sanitation conditions and road infrastructure around the busy transport terminal.
