Thousands Join National General Cleaning Exercise as Ghana Begins Two-Day Post-Flood Clean-Up

Communities across Ghana came together on Friday, 10 July, as the country commenced the first day of the National General Cleaning Exercise, a two-day initiative aimed at restoring areas affected by the recent floods and promoting environmental sanitation.

The exercise, organised under the Post-Flood Mitigation Committee, brought together security agencies, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), sanitation workers, volunteers, and government officials to clear drains, remove refuse, and clean public spaces in flood-affected communities.

President John Dramani Mahama joined the exercise, working alongside sanitation personnel and volunteers during the clean-up. His participation reinforced the government’s call for citizens to take an active role in rebuilding communities and preventing future flooding.

The national clean-up is being held under the theme:

“Our Actions, Our Future: Cleaning Ghana after the Floods.”

The initiative follows the devastating floods that affected several parts of the country in late June, causing loss of lives, damage to homes and businesses, and widespread disruption to daily life.

Throughout the day, clean-up activities focused on clearing choked drains, removing accumulated waste, desilting gutters, and restoring public spaces. Government officials emphasised that proper waste disposal and regular community sanitation remain essential in reducing the impact of flooding during the rainy season.

The exercise is expected to continue on Saturday, 11 July, when members of the public are encouraged to join the nationwide effort by participating in clean-up activities within their own communities.

Why This Matters

Flooding continues to be one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental challenges, with blocked drainage systems and improper waste disposal contributing significantly to the severity of floods during heavy rainfall.

The National General Cleaning Exercise serves as a reminder that maintaining clean communities is a shared responsibility. Beyond the two-day campaign, environmental experts continue to encourage citizens to adopt responsible waste disposal practices and support regular community clean-up activities throughout the year.

As the second day of the exercise approaches, Ghanaians are being encouraged to volunteer their time and help create cleaner, safer, and more resilient communities for everyone.