The Government of Ghana has launched a nationwide two day National General Cleaning Exercise following devastating floods that exposed the country’s long standing drainage and sanitation challenges.
The initiative comes after severe flooding claimed lives, displaced residents, and caused widespread damage across several regions. Authorities say the exercise is aimed at reducing the risk of future flooding by clearing blocked drains, removing waste, and restoring public spaces.
The campaign is being coordinated under the theme “Our Actions, Our Future: Cleaning Ghana After the Floods.” Government officials, security agencies, local assemblies, waste management companies, and members of the public have been mobilised to participate in the cleanup effort.
President John Dramani Mahama directed ministers, members of parliament, chief executives, and heads of public institutions to leave their offices and work alongside communities during the exercise. Activities have focused on desilting choked drains, clearing debris from roads, markets, and public spaces, and improving sanitation in flood affected areas.
Government officials say poor waste disposal practices and blocked drainage systems have contributed significantly to recurring floods. They stressed that the exercise is not only a response to the recent disaster but also a call for sustained environmental responsibility and improved sanitation practices across the country.
Authorities have also warned that individuals and businesses that fail to comply with sanitation directives could face penalties under existing local government and environmental laws.
The government hopes the nationwide cleanup will strengthen community participation, improve public health, and reduce the impact of heavy rains in the future.