Omanghana
The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has convened an emergency coordination meeting with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) as preparations intensify for the upcoming Presidential National Clean-Up Exercise.
The meeting, chaired by Local Government Minister Ahmed Ibrahim, brought together key sanitation stakeholders, including MMDCEs, Environmental Health Officers, and Waste Management Directors from the Greater Accra Region, to coordinate a nationwide response aimed at improving sanitation and reducing flood risks.
Flooding Triggers Emergency Sanitation Response
The urgent mobilization follows recent devastating flash floods that affected several communities in Accra and other vulnerable low-lying areas.
Officials said the clean-up exercise forms part of the government’s broader post-flood recovery strategy and will serve as an immediate intervention to address sanitation challenges that contribute to urban flooding.
The initiative is being implemented under the framework of the newly established Presidential Post-Flood Task Force, which is responsible for coordinating emergency recovery efforts while developing long-term measures to improve flood resilience.
Focus on Drains, Waste Removal and Flood Prevention
A major objective of the meeting was to develop a coordinated plan for:
- Desilting blocked storm drains.
- Removing illegal waste accumulation points.
- Clearing sanitation bottlenecks in communities.
- Improving environmental hygiene ahead of expected heavy rainfall.
Authorities believe that clearing obstructed drainage systems will help improve water flow and reduce the impact of future downpours.
Two-Day National Exercise Announced
Minister Ahmed Ibrahim announced that the national clean-up exercise will officially take place over two days — Friday and Saturday.
However, he indicated that the exercise may be extended in areas where local assemblies require additional time to complete sanitation activities.
The Minister urged all local authorities to properly identify priority areas and ensure that resources are deployed effectively.
President Mahama Expected to Lead Exercise
President John Dramani Mahama is expected to participate personally in the clean-up exercise as part of efforts to demonstrate national commitment to improved sanitation and flood prevention.
The exercise will also involve collaboration with other key government officials and stakeholders, including Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo and Jospong Group Chairman Joseph Siaw Agyapong.
Waste Management Companies to Support Operations
To ensure that collected waste does not remain on streets after the exercise, the Ministry has instructed local assemblies to develop detailed community waste management plans and coordinate closely with sanitation companies.
Zoomlion Ghana Limited has pledged full support for the initiative by providing:
- Field sanitation personnel.
- Heavy-duty equipment.
- Logistics support.
- Temporary transfer stations to facilitate the quick movement of waste to approved disposal sites.
The support is aimed at ensuring that waste removed from communities is immediately transported away rather than creating new sanitation problems.
Government Calls for Public Participation
While the exercise is being organized as an emergency response to recent flooding, the Ministry emphasized that the broader goal is to establish lasting sanitation practices and build flood-resistant communities.
Government officials have called on traditional leaders, community organizations, civil society groups, and residents to actively participate by cleaning their surroundings and clearing household drainage channels.
Authorities stressed that maintaining clean communities requires continuous public involvement beyond the national exercise, with citizens playing a key role in preventing flooding and improving environmental health.
Source: Omanghana
