Poor drainage and what stakeholders describe as defective engineering work at the Ho main lorry station, are posing serious sanitation and public health risks, prompting calls for urgent intervention by the Ho Municipal Assembly.
The concerns came to the fore during a youth clean-up exercise organised by the National Youth Authority (NYA) on Saturday, August 1, 2026, as part of activities marking the 2026 National Youth Month Celebration in the Volta Region.
The Ghana News Agency (GNA) observed that the drainage channel at the main exit of the lorry station had become blocked, preventing the free flow of rainwater and wastewater.
As a result, water flowing from adjoining sections of the market and the transport terminal collected at the station’s exit, creating stagnant pools that emitted foul odour and exposed traders, passengers, drivers and commuters to potential health hazards.
Mr Isaac Amenyo, the Volta Regional Chairman of the Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA), attributed the problem to the reconstruction of the lorry station.
He explained that an existing drainage channel in front of the terminal was filled during the construction of the new Market Shop and facilities and had not been restored, causing water to accumulate whenever it rained.
“The drain was functioning before the reconstruction of the terminal, but it was covered during construction, and nothing has been done to restore it. Anytime it rains, water from the market and the station flows across the road and settles here,” he told the GNA.
Mr Amenyo said the Assembly had been informed about the situation on several occasions and officials had inspected the area, but no remedial work had commenced.
“We believe it is now time for the Assembly to re-engineer the drainage system. The sanitation situation is getting worse, and we are appealing to them to act before it escalates,” he said.
Mr Yao Semoade, the Volta Regional Director of the National Youth Authority, also expressed concern about the deteriorating drainage system and called on the Ho Municipal Assembly to undertake an engineering assessment to permanently address the problem.
“We need regular desilting of the gutters to ensure the free flow of water and reduce the unpleasant stench. The Assembly should also redesign sections of the drainage system to prevent flooding and protect the investment made in the facility,” he said.
Mr Lawrence Senya, the Ho Municipal Environmental Health Officer, acknowledged the concerns and assured the GNA that the Assembly was aware of the drainage challenges and had plans underway to address the situation, expressing optimism that the problem would be resolved within the next few months.
Despite the assurance, traders, transport operators and commuters appealed for immediate action, fearing that a heavy downpour could inundate the lorry station, disrupt business activities, and pose additional health and safety risks.
They urged the Assembly to expedite the rehabilitation of the drainage system to safeguard lives, protect public infrastructure, and preserve sanitary conditions at one of the municipality’s busiest transport terminals.
GNA
