President John Dramani Mahama joined residents and sanitation workers in Alajo, Greater Accra Region, on Saturday, July 11, 2026, for the second day of a national clean-up exercise. This initiative directly addresses Ghana's significant waste management problems and aims to improve environmental sanitation in flood-prone communities.
The clean-up campaign follows recent heavy rains that severely impacted several parts of the country. These rains resulted in clogged drains, huge accumulations of refuse and debris, and damage to public infrastructure. The ongoing exercise, which started on Friday, July 10, seeks to clear refuse, desilt choked drains, rehabilitate public spaces, and improve the flow of stormwater. These actions are critical to reducing the risk of future flooding events that disrupt livelihoods and pose economic threats.
This national effort highlights the persistent challenge of waste management, which costs Ghana an estimated GHS 4.2 billion annually. In 2023, the World Bank reported that only 15% of waste generated in Ghana is properly managed. This low figure contributes significantly to environmental degradation and public health crises. The government has for many years struggled to implement sustainable waste collection and disposal systems nationwide.
During the exercise, President Mahama stated that the immediate focus was collecting all existing garbage and transporting it to approved disposal sites. He admitted that the sheer volume of waste across the city made a one-day clearance impossible. "When you look at the city and all the garbage that has accumulated, we cannot do it in one day," he said. He further added, "But today, we are all coming together to make a start, and we will continue until we clear the waste."
President Mahama also revealed that waste management equipment procured over nine years ago remains unused. He assured the public that steps are underway to ensure these resources become operational. Making this equipment available will significantly boost the current clean-up efforts and improve general waste collection efficiency. This move is expected to alleviate pressure on local waste management companies and enhance public service delivery.
The first day of the exercise saw broad participation, bringing together various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and private institutions. Security services, educational institutions, waste management companies, and the general public all contributed to coordinated clean-up activities. This widespread involvement underscores the government's call for collective responsibility in maintaining environmental sanitation.
The nationwide exercise will continue until 1:00 p.m. today, Saturday, July 11. Government officials have urged all Ghanaians to actively participate, stressing that environmental sanitation is a shared responsibility. Effective waste management is a crucial step towards preventing future flooding and safeguarding lives and property, preventing further economic losses due to environmental disasters.