President Mahama Directs Nationwide Post-Flood Clean-Up Exercise as Thousands Mobilize Across Seven Regions

Ghana has launched a massive two-day National General Cleaning exercise following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama to mitigate sanitation challenges and flood risks. The initiative, which began on July 10, 2026, aims to address the aftermath of devastating floods on June 29 that claimed 35 lives and displaced over 38,800 individuals. Spanning seven regions, including Greater Accra, the Volta, and Central Regions, the exercise involves clearing choked drains, removing refuse, and restoring public spaces. In Greater Accra alone, authorities targeted 104 locations, mandating the closure of non-essential businesses during the cleaning hours of 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to ensure maximum participation from residents and public institutions.

In the Volta Region, the Ho Municipality saw a massive turnout as residents, civil servants, and security agencies began cleaning from dawn, earning praise from Municipal Chief Executive Stephen Adom for their patriotism. In Keta, community advocate Lom Nuku Ahlijah bolstered recovery efforts by donating 217 pieces of sanitation equipment, including wheelbarrows, shovels, and boots, to the local assembly. Meanwhile, in the Central Region, Minister Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah and Cape Coast Mayor George Justice Arthur led local staff and residents in a rigorous cleanup of public spaces. The exercise in Cape Coast was supported by Zoomlion Ghana Limited, though it was marked by the confiscation of goods from traders who refused to comply with the cleaning directive.

Institutional support has been a cornerstone of the campaign, with Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner-General Kwasi Anthony Sarpong joining his staff on the field. Mr. Sarpong emphasized that while the government provides relief, citizens must take daily responsibility for their local environments to prevent future disasters. To manage the high volume of waste generated, Zoomlion established five temporary waste transfer stations in Achimota, Teshie, Mallam, Ashaiman, and Abokobi. These facilities allow for the rapid compaction and processing of debris before final disposal, significantly reducing the pressure on existing landfill sites.

As the exercise concludes, there is a growing call from traders and community leaders to transition these intensive cleanups into a regular monthly routine. At Mallam Market, photo documentation revealed alarming levels of waste in trading areas, prompting calls for more sustainable sanitation management. While the government has allocated funds for relief operations and potential tax relief measures for those affected by the floods, officials stress that the long-term solution lies in changing public attitudes toward littering and plastic pollution. The successful mobilization of thousands of Ghanaians this week serves as a critical first step in a broader national strategy to enhance urban resilience and public health.