The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has commended President John Dramani Mahama, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), the media, Zoomlion Ghana Limited and citizens across the country for the successful execution of the two-day National Clean-Up Exercise held on July 10 and 11, 2026.
The exercise was organised in response to the devastating floods that recently affected seven regions of the country, resulting in loss of lives, displacement of families and extensive damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure.
In a statement signed by its President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the Association described the nationwide exercise as timely, necessary and largely successful in mobilising citizens, institutions and communities to restore environmental cleanliness and strengthen efforts to tackle poor sanitation.
The GJA particularly praised President Mahama for personally participating in the exercise, describing his involvement as exemplary leadership that demonstrated that environmental sanitation is a shared national responsibility rather than the sole obligation of government agencies.
According to the Association, the President’s decision to actively join the exercise inspired many citizens across the country to volunteer their time and contribute to the clean-up campaign.
Mr. Dwumfour also participated in the exercise alongside President Mahama, government officials and volunteers, reaffirming the Association’s commitment to environmental sustainability, national development and responsible citizenship.
The Association further commended the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Regional Coordinating Councils, sanitation agencies, traditional authorities, security services, civil society organisations, youth groups and community volunteers for their coordinated efforts in ensuring the success of the exercise nationwide.
The GJA reserved special praise for the Ghanaian media for what it described as exceptional professionalism and public service before and during the exercise.
According to the Association, television and radio stations, newspapers, online news portals and other digital platforms devoted considerable airtime and publication space to public education, updates and community mobilisation efforts to encourage participation in the exercise.
The Association also lauded journalists across the country who reported directly from affected communities, drains, streets and public spaces where the clean-up activities took place.
It noted that their work reflected the principles of civic and development journalism by informing, educating and motivating citizens to actively participate in national development efforts.
The GJA urged media organisations and journalists to sustain attention on issues relating to sanitation, environmental protection, climate resilience and disaster preparedness.
It encouraged the media to continue investigating the causes of flooding, exposing environmental degradation, promoting responsible waste management practices and holding both institutions and citizens accountable.
The Association also commended Zoomlion Ghana Limited and the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, for their contribution to the success of the exercise.
According to the GJA, the deployment of sanitation personnel, trucks, heavy-duty equipment and the opening of recycling and waste treatment facilities played a critical role in supporting the nationwide campaign.
While celebrating the success of the exercise, the Association stressed that national cleanliness cannot be achieved through occasional clean-up campaigns alone but requires sustained behavioural change and responsible sanitation practices.
It called on citizens to make cleanliness a daily habit by properly disposing of waste, keeping drains free from refuse and protecting the environment.
The GJA further urged all Ghanaians to embrace environmental responsibility as a civic duty and support initiatives aimed at promoting sanitation and safeguarding lives and property.
The Association expressed optimism that through responsible leadership, active citizenship, sustained media advocacy and collective action, Ghana can significantly reduce future flooding disasters and build cleaner, healthier and safer communities.
