The government has announced mandatory implementation directives for the two-day National Flood Aftermath Clean-up Exercise, ordering the closure of all shops, markets, and commercial establishments from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, 2026.
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, outlined the modalities at a press briefing in Accra on July 9, urging all Ghanaians to participate in the exercise.
"This exercise is a national call to duty. Every Ghanaian has a responsibility to contribute towards restoring environmental cleanliness and preventing future flooding," Mr Ibrahim said.
The clean-up exercise follows the devastating floods of June 29, which resulted in the tragic loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread environmental degradation across several parts of the country.
Implementation arrangements
On Friday, July 10, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MMDAs, public and private institutions, security services, educational institutions, waste management companies, and the general public will undertake the exercise from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm.
On Saturday, July 11, the exercise will involve all communities and residents, community-based and volunteer groups, security services, and MMDAs with the support of waste management companies.
To ensure full participation, all shops, markets, commercial establishments, corporate organisations, and other non-essential businesses within the affected regions shall remain closed between 6:00 am and 1:00 pm on both days. Institutions providing essential and emergency services are exempt.
Sanctions for non-compliance
The Minister added that, "Accordingly, all individuals, institutions and groups identified in this statement are required to comply fully with these directives. Failure to do so shall attract the appropriate sanctions under the applicable sanitation and local governance laws."
The Ministry has also provided specific directives for property owners and occupiers to clean their compounds and the frontage of their premises, desilt drains adjoining their properties, remove all flood debris and accumulated waste, and maintain their surroundings in accordance with existing sanitation laws.
The Ministry has engaged the National Security architecture and the Ghana Police Service to deploy security personnel to all strategic waste management facilities and operational locations to ensure public safety, protect workers, and safeguard equipment throughout the exercise.
The President is expected to personally participate in the exercise.
