The UN has endorsed Ghana’s two-day clean-up campaign, emphasizing its importance in preventing disease outbreaks and restoring healthy living conditions in communities impacted by the severe floods on June 29.
During the launch of the initiative on Friday, July 10, Public Health Expert Dr. Fiona Braka from the United Nations expressed their commitment to collaborating with the government to enhance environmental health in light of the extensive damage caused by the floods.
“The recent flooding has affected us all, leading to significant destruction of homes and property. We recognize the necessity of a clean-up following this disaster, which is why we are here today,” she stated.
Dr. Braka highlighted that a clean environment is essential for disease prevention, noting that this initiative is in line with the UN’s broader mission to foster healthy communities, decrease pollution, and address environmental health challenges.
She revealed that all 26 UN agencies operating in Ghana have been activated to take part in the clean-up alongside the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), calling the effort a testament to shared responsibility.
The UN representative praised the preparations for the clean-up, mentioning that the government has provided necessary sanitation tools such as wheelbarrows, shovels, and gloves, while security personnel, civil servants, and numerous volunteers have shown up in significant numbers.
“We truly commend the government and the citizens of Ghana for their unity in facing this challenge,” she remarked.
The clean-up operation, organized by the Post-Flood Mitigation Committee, is being conducted across seven regions affected by the floods to enhance sanitation, clear blocked drains, and minimize the risk of future flooding.
Personnel from the security services, as well as representatives from the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, along with waste management companies, will lead the activities on Friday.
Members of the public are anticipated to participate in the exercise on Saturday.
The National General Cleaning Days were instituted in response to the floods that occurred on June 29, which resulted in the loss of at least 13 lives, the displacement of thousands of residents, and significant damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure, especially in the Greater Accra Region.Demographics
In conjunction with this initiative, President John Dramani Mahama has instructed all government appointees, including Ministers, Members of Parliament, Chief Executive Officers of state institutions, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, as well as heads of public institutions, to vacate their offices and spearhead clean-up efforts within their respective communities.
