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President Mahama Declares July 10 & 11 as National General Cleaning Days

In the wake of catastrophic flooding that struck parts of Ghana in late June 2026, President John Dramani Mahama has taken decisive action. On Monday, July 6, the Presidency announced that Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, 2026, will be observed as National General Cleaning Days across the seven regions most affected by the recent floods.

This special two-day cleanup exercise forms part of a broader post-flood mitigation and resilience strategy under the theme: “Our Actions, Our Future: Cleaning Ghana after the Floods.”

The Devastating Impact of the 2026 Floods

Recent heavy rains with Accra reportedly receiving around 140mm in a single day (more than double the previous year’s highest daily total) triggered severe flooding, particularly in low-lying areas of Greater Accra and surrounding regions.

Casualties and Damage:

At least 13 lives lost.
Over 7,000 households affected or destroyed.
Widespread disruption to businesses, roads, markets, and public infrastructure.
Increased risk of waterborne diseases due to stagnant water and debris.

Flooding in Ghana is not new. For years, experts have pointed to a dangerous mix of factors:

Poor drainage systems and choked gutters.
Indiscriminate waste disposal, especially plastics.
Encroachment on waterways and wetlands.
Rapid, unplanned urbanization.
Climate change, which is intensifying extreme rainfall events.

These floods echo past tragedies, such as the deadly 2015 events, reminding Ghanaians that without sustained action, the cycle will continue.

Details of the National Cleaning Exercise

The directive comes through the Post-Flood Mitigation Committee. Key elements include:

Friday, July 10: Led by security services, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and waste management companies.
Saturday, July 11: Open to the general public, scaling up participation nationwide.

Focus Areas for Cleanup:

Desilting choked drains to improve water flow.
Clearing sand, weeds, and debris from roads and highways.
Cleaning public spaces: markets, lorry parks, recreational areas, and communal waste points.
Proper evacuation of collected silt and refuse to prevent re-blocking of drains.

The government has directed all Ministers, MMDCEs, MPs, heads of public institutions, and government appointees to actively participate alongside residents. MMDAs must provide logistics such as gloves, shovels, waste trucks, and other tools.

Why This Matters: Linking Sanitation to National Development

Ghana has a history with organized cleanup efforts. The original National Sanitation Day (first Saturday of every month) was launched in 2014 in response to a cholera outbreak and later relaunched under President Mahama in 2025 to restore civic discipline and environmental pride.

This special two-day exercise builds on that foundation but with greater urgency following the floods. It sends a clear message: Environmental sanitation is not optional it is a matter of life, property, and economic stability.

Broader Goals:

Reduce future flood risks.
Combat plastic pollution and indiscriminate littering.
Promote community unity and civic responsibility.
Support long-term resilience as part of the government’s post-flood recovery strategy.

Call to Action: Every Ghanaian Has a Role

The Presidency’s statement captures the spirit perfectly:

“Let us rise together and show that the Ghanaian spirit of community, discipline and unity is alive and well. Protect your home, protect your neighbour, and let us clean our beloved homeland.”

Practical Ways to Participate: