Days after the devastating floods that claimed lives and displaced thousands across Greater Accra and other regions, President John Dramani Mahama has issued a passionate call to action, urging every Ghanaian to participate in the national post-flood cleanup exercise. Declaring July 10 and 11 as dedicated national cleanup days, the President emphasized collective responsibility with the message that "everybody should come out" to restore affected communities. This initiative, coordinated by the Post-Flood Mitigation Committee, aims to desilt drains, clear debris, and prevent future disasters as the country grapples with the aftermath of heavy rains.
The recent floods, triggered by intense rainfall on June 29, 2026, exposed long-standing issues of poor sanitation, blocked waterways, and indiscriminate waste disposal. Communities like Alajo and Tse Addo bore the brunt, with homes submerged, infrastructure damaged, and lives lost. President Mahama, who joined residents on the ground alongside Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, stressed that two days alone would not suffice. He proposed institutionalizing monthly national cleanup exercises to foster sustained environmental responsibility and combat urban filth.
Speaking during the cleanup at Alajo, the President warned against dumping waste in drains, describing them as critical waterways rather than garbage sites. He directed government appointees, security services, MMDAs, and private institutions to lead efforts on the first day, with communities joining en masse on the second. The exercise focuses on removing silt, plastics, household waste, and other obstructions to restore natural water flow and reduce health risks such as cholera outbreaks.
Beyond immediate cleanup, the government has committed significant resources, including GH¢150 million for dredging and broader flood mitigation, alongside relief funds from the Contingency Fund. President Mahama highlighted the need for attitude change, urging citizens to use designated skip containers and respect environmental laws. Traditional leaders, civil society, and the private sector have been mobilized, underscoring a unified national response to build resilience.
As Ghana rallies under the theme “Our Actions, Our Future: Cleaning Ghana after the Floods,” this moment presents an opportunity for lasting transformation. President Mahama’s call embodies the spirit of communal action rooted in traditional values of cleanliness and solidarity. Every Ghanaian’s participation will not only aid recovery but also safeguard lives and livelihoods for generations to come. The public is encouraged to join actively and make environmental stewardship a daily priority.
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