President John Dramani Mahama has declared July 10 and July 11, 2026, as National General Cleaning Days across the seven regions impacted by the recent floods, as part of efforts to improve sanitation and prevent future flooding incidents.
The exercise, which is being coordinated by the Post-Flood Mitigation Committee, seeks to mobilise communities to undertake extensive clean-up activities aimed at restoring affected areas and reducing environmental risks.
Held under the theme “Our Actions, Our Future: Cleaning Ghana after the floods,” the initiative is intended to serve both as an emergency response to the recent disaster and as a long-term effort to encourage responsible waste management practices.
In a statement issued on July 6, the government described the clean-up campaign as an important national intervention to safeguard lives, property and the environment. Citizens across the affected regions have been encouraged to actively participate in the exercise.
The President has also directed government officials, including ministers, chief executive officers, members of parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), and heads of public institutions, to take part personally and lead clean-up activities within their communities.
Under the implementation plan, security personnel, officials from Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and waste management companies will commence activities on July 10. Members of the public will then join the effort on July 11 to expand the scale of the operation.
The clean-up exercise will focus on clearing blocked drains, removing accumulated silt, weeds and debris from roads and highways, and cleaning public spaces such as markets, transport terminals, parks and waste collection sites.
Government officials noted that poor sanitation practices, particularly indiscriminate littering and plastic waste disposal, have contributed significantly to recurring floods by obstructing drainage systems across the country.
To support the exercise, all MMDAs have been instructed to collaborate with waste management companies to provide the necessary equipment and logistics, including waste collection trucks, gloves, shovels and other cleaning materials. Authorities have also been directed to ensure the prompt removal and disposal of all waste collected during the exercise.
The government concluded by urging citizens to demonstrate a spirit of unity, responsibility and community service in helping to protect lives and reduce the impact of future flooding.
The announcement was signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
Source: myjoyonline.com
