A prolonged seven-hour rainfall on Monday, June 29, brought commercial activities in Ho to a near standstill, forcing traders to suspend operations on what is typically one of the municipality’s busiest market days.
The downpour, which started at dawn and persisted intermittently throughout the morning, led to reduced movement across the township as both traders and customers stayed away from the Ho Central Market and surrounding business areas due to waterlogged conditions and poor accessibility.
Many traders who had initially opened their stalls were compelled to partially close or pack up early, as persistent rain and flooding made it difficult to protect goods and serve customers. The usual influx of buyers from nearby communities also declined sharply.
According to the Ho Municipal Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Mr Christian Youngs, the situation was worsened by ongoing infrastructure works and limited access routes linking surrounding communities to the market.
He explained that the timing and duration of the rainfall had a direct impact on market activity, especially for traders who depend on market days to draw customers from nearby towns.
He also noted that desilting efforts by local groups had helped reduce the severity of flooding that could have otherwise worsened the situation.
At the market, traders described a quiet trading environment, with many reporting minimal sales. A provisions seller, identified as Sister Dziedzorm, said she had to shield her goods from rainwater while waiting for customers who largely stayed away.
Vehicular and pedestrian movement across parts of Ho was also slowed, as some roads became slippery and partially submerged, forcing commuters and drivers to proceed with caution.
Residents are hoping for improved weather conditions in the coming days to restore normal trading activity, while disaster management officials continue to urge the public to avoid flood-prone areas during the ongoing rainy season.
