Ho Central Market Security Calls for Immediate Intervention as Crime and Open Defecation Increase
Ho, Volta Region — Security personnel at the Ho Central Market are raising urgent concerns over growing insecurity and rampant open defecation within the market and its surrounding areas, calling for immediate intervention from local authorities.
Mr. Dotse Dagbi, an 83-year-old security officer who has served at the market for 35 years, lamented the increasing rate of open defecation at the lorry station. According to him, the situation has worsened because the toilet facilities in the new market close by 10 p.m., making it difficult for drivers, passengers, and other station users to access proper sanitation at night.
“Those in charge of the toilet close it before 10 p.m., which is very inconvenient for drivers, visitors, and people who use the station at night,” he said.
Mr. Dagbi also expressed concern about the growing insecurity around the market, stating that the area has become a hideout for criminals and suspected drug users after dark.
“The market at night is becoming a place for criminals and wee smokers. In the past, during the first term of the Mahama administration, police patrols used to come around and arrest gangs, but that is no longer happening,” he recounted.
He added that the absence of regular police patrols has emboldened miscreants who now attack passengers and traders at night. Mr. Dagbi recalled a recent incident in which a woman was robbed of her bag by thugs near the station.
He appealed to the Volta Regional Minister and the Ho Municipal Chief Executive to ensure regular police visibility in the area and to keep the market’s public toilets open 24 hours a day. He also urged the assembly to construct urinals to help passengers hygienically relieve themselves.
In response, the Municipal Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Lawrence Senya, assured that measures are already in place to address the situation.
“All toilets in the new market building will be fully operational from November 1, 2025, and they will be accessible to everyone, including persons with disabilities,” Mr. Senya stated.
He added that the new facilities are adequate to serve the entire market population and expressed confidence that once they are opened, the problem of open defecation will be significantly reduced.
