The government has declared Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11, 2026, as national flood aftermath clean-up days following the devastating floods that affected several parts of the country on June 29.
Announcing the initiative at a press conference, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, said the exercise forms part of government’s coordinated response to restore environmental sanitation and reduce the risk of future flooding.
According to the Minister, the directive was issued by President John Dramani Mahama and is aimed at clearing flood debris, desilting drains and waterways, and improving sanitation conditions in affected communities.
“His Excellency the President declared Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11, 2026, as a two-day national flood aftermath cleanup exercise as part of government coordinated efforts to restore environmental sanitation,” he said.
The nationwide exercise will take place from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on both days and will involve different categories of participants.
Mr Ibrahim explained that Friday’s exercise will involve government institutions, private sector organisations, security agencies, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and waste management companies.
The institutions expected to participate include ministries, telecommunications companies, media organisations and the various security services, including the Ghana Armed Forces, Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Prisons Service, Immigration Service and Customs Division.
Saturday’s exercise will focus on community participation, with residents in flood-prone communities joining security agencies, MMDAs and waste management firms to clean drains, streets and public spaces.
Communities expected to participate include Chorkor, Jamestown, Legon, Kukurantumi, Nungua, Teshie, Labadi and Sakumono, among others.
The Minister urged residents to take responsibility for cleaning their immediate surroundings and ensuring that drains and gutters are properly desilted.
As part of measures to ensure effective implementation, government has directed that markets, shops and commercial establishments in affected areas remain closed between 6:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on both days to enable traders and customers to participate in the exercise.
He explained that the temporary closure is intended to facilitate thorough cleaning and disinfection of market centres and commercial areas affected by flooding.
Mr Ibrahim further announced that waste generated during the exercise would be transported free of charge to designated transfer stations and landfill sites, many of which will operate around the clock throughout the cleanup period.
Environmental health officers have also been tasked with monitoring compliance with sanitation regulations, while the Police and National Security agencies will provide protection for personnel and equipment involved in the exercise.
The Minister disclosed that Parliament will not sit during the exercise to allow Members of Parliament to participate in cleanup activities within their constituencies, while Cabinet meetings have also been rescheduled to enable ministers to join the exercise.
He added that President Mahama will personally participate in the cleanup campaign.
Mr Ibrahim stressed that the initiative goes beyond the routine monthly sanitation exercises and described it as a national call to action following the recent floods.
He warned that failure to comply with sanitation directives could attract sanctions under existing sanitation and local governance laws.
The Minister noted that cleanup activities would continue beyond the two-day exercise until all affected communities have been fully restored.
He called on all Ghanaians to support the initiative in the interest of building cleaner, safer and more resilient communities across the country.
