Ho Market Day Grinds to a Halt as Heavy Downpour Batters Volta Regional Capital

Trading activity in Ho, the Volta Regional capital, came to a virtual halt on Monday, 29 June, after heavy rainfall disrupted what is ordinarily one of the busiest market days of the week in the city. The Asigato central business district, which typically sees a surge of traders and buyers on Mondays, was left largely deserted as the persistent downpour kept residents indoors.

The rain had begun on Sunday evening, briefly eased overnight, and then returned with greater intensity from the early hours of Monday morning. The on-and-off nature of the downpour made it difficult for traders from surrounding communities to travel into the city, with poor road conditions adding to the challenge.

Christian Youngs, the Ho Municipal Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), explained that the situation was particularly difficult for those relying on road access from nearby towns and villages. "The rain started very early, so those who will travel from the nearby communities to come and make sales or buy things will surely be affected due to the nature of the roads and the heaviness of the rain," he said.

The human cost was evident in the accounts of local traders. Gifty Dzansi, who operates at the Ho Central Market, described being caught off guard by the worsening weather. "Today is a market day, and it is still raining. Earlier this morning, it was just drizzling, so I prepared my child for school, but upon reaching the school complex, it started raining heavily again. I am supposed to be in the market too, but I can't," she said.

Despite the widespread disruption, NADMO confirmed there were no reports of flooding within Ho. Residents noted that drainage channels had largely managed the volume of rainwater, preventing any accumulation. Mr Youngs assured the public that the city remained safe, even as the rain continued to fall.

However, several untarred roads in and around the capital became impassable, causing difficulties for motorists. Businesses in the area say they are waiting for conditions to improve before resuming normal operations, with the full economic impact of the disrupted market day yet to be assessed.