The recent floods left a painful mark on Ghana. Families lost loved ones. Homes and shops were destroyed. Roads were cut off. Many people are still trying to rebuild their lives.
In response, President John Dramani Mahama has declared two National General Cleaning Days for the regions affected by the floods. The exercise aims to clear drains, remove rubbish, and prepare communities before the next heavy rains.
The President has also directed ministers, Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, and other public officials to join residents in cleaning their communities. It is a reminder that leadership means working alongside the people, especially in difficult times.
But cleaning for two days is only the beginning.
The floods did not happen because of rain alone. Choked gutters, plastic waste, poor sanitation, and buildings on waterways all made the situation worse. These are problems that people and institutions can fix.
Government has a duty to improve drainage systems, enforce sanitation laws, and stop illegal construction on watercourses. At the same time, every citizen has a role to play. Throwing rubbish into drains or leaving waste in open spaces puts entire communities at risk.
A clean environment protects everyone. It reduces disease. It lowers the risk of flooding. It also makes towns and cities safer and more attractive.
Schools, churches, mosques, businesses, youth groups, and community organisations should all take part. Clean surroundings should become a daily habit, not something we do only after a disaster.
This is also what the African Union’s Agenda 2063 calls for. It promotes safe cities, healthy communities, and citizens who take responsibility for their environment. Development is not only about roads and buildings. It is also about how people care for the places where they live.
The floodwaters have gone down, but the lessons remain. President Mahama’s clean-up call gives Ghana an opportunity to do more than sweep the streets. It gives the nation a chance to build a new culture of cleanliness, responsibility, and community action. If that spirit continues beyond these two days, Ghana will be better prepared for the future.