President John Dramani Mahama has declared Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, 2026, as National General Cleaning Days in the seven regions affected by the recent floods, as part of efforts to prevent a recurrence of the disaster and restore environmental sanitation.
The exercise, being organised under the auspices of the Post-Flood Mitigation Committee, will be held under the theme: “Our Actions, Our Future: Cleaning Ghana after the floods.”
The announcement follows the June 29, 2026 floods, which were triggered by hours of torrential rainfall that inundated large parts of Accra and several other communities across seven regions.
The floods claimed several lives, displaced hundreds of residents and submerged homes, businesses and major roads.
The disaster also exposed the scale of poor waste disposal and blocked drainage systems, as floodwaters carried tonnes of plastic waste, refuse, and other debris from drains, waterways and streets.
In the aftermath of the disaster, government established the Post-Flood Mitigation Committee to coordinate relief efforts and implement measures aimed at improving sanitation, clearing drains and strengthening flood prevention across the country.
In a statement signed by the President’s Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu on Monday, July 6, the government said the nationwide initiative is intended to mobilise citizens to clean their communities, protect the environment and reduce the risk of future flooding.
“This is a critical, nationwide exercise and all citizens are strongly encouraged to fully participate in it.”
As part of the exercise, President Mahama has directed all government appointees to actively participate in the cleanup instead of remaining in their offices.
According to the directive, Ministers, Chief Executive Officers, Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), as well as heads of public institutions, are expected to lead cleanup activities in their respective communities.
The cleanup has been structured over two days. On Friday, July 10, personnel from the security services, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and waste management companies will begin the exercise.
The following day, Saturday, July 11, members of the public will join the effort to expand the operation nationwide.
The Presidency said the exercise will focus on clearing silted and choked drains, removing sand, weeds and debris from roads and highways, and cleaning public spaces including markets, lorry parks, recreational parks and communal refuse collection sites.
Among the key priorities is ensuring that drains are desilted to allow the free flow of stormwater ahead of the peak of the rainy season.
The statement also warned that poor sanitation practices continue to worsen flooding across the country.
“This two-day exercise is a critical intervention and a vital wake-up call for the nation. For far too long, indiscriminate littering and plastic pollution have clogged our drainage systems, contributing to devastating, preventable floods that destroy livelihoods and claim precious Ghanaian lives.”
To support the exercise, all MMDAs have been directed to work closely with waste management companies to provide waste trucks, gloves, shovels and other cleaning equipment at designated locations.
The assemblies have also been instructed to ensure that all silt and refuse collected during the exercise are immediately evacuated to prevent them from being washed back into drains.
The Presidency urged Ghanaians to demonstrate unity and civic responsibility in protecting their communities.
