National Clean Up exercise to restore flood hit communities

The National Clean-Up Exercise has commenced across Accra, with security personnel, volunteers, waste management companies and residents joining hands to clear flood debris and improve environmental sanitation in the aftermath of the recent floods.

At the Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, personnel from the security services, volunteers and workers of Zoomlion Ghana Limited assembled early Friday morning before being deployed to various locations across the capital to begin the clean-up operation.

Similar exercises were carried out in several communities, including Ayawaso East, where residents turned out in large numbers to participate in efforts to restore their surroundings and prevent future flooding.

Managing Director of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Madam Doris Kweku Adjei, said the company had mobilised adequate personnel, equipment and logistics to ensure the smooth and successful execution of the nationwide sanitation campaign.

Several government officials also joined the exercise. Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, urged Ghanaians to actively support the initiative by participating in clean-up activities within their communities. She stressed that maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility essential to protecting lives and property.

Educational institutions also took part in the campaign, with pupils and staff of God’s Love Abounds School at Alajo cleaning the frontage of their school as part of the national exercise.

The nationwide clean-up campaign follows a directive by President John Dramani Mahama aimed at restoring communities affected by the recent floods while improving sanitation and reducing the risk of future flooding.

Activities being undertaken include the removal of refuse and flood debris, desilting choked drains, sweeping streets, clearing weeds and sand from roads, fumigating affected areas, and cleaning markets, lorry parks, recreational parks and other public spaces.

According to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Friday’s exercise involves the Assembly, security services, private institutions, educational institutions, waste management companies and members of the public.

The Assembly said Saturday’s activities will shift focus to neighbourhood-level clean-up efforts, with residents, volunteer groups, security agencies and other stakeholders expected to continue sanitation exercises within their communities.

The AMA has also appealed to market leaders, transport unions, business associations, religious organisations and community leaders to mobilise their members to participate fully in the exercise and comply with the temporary closure directive issued to facilitate the campaign.