The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) will send soldiers, engineers, and heavy equipment across the country to clear drains, rivers, and other waterways as part of a nationwide flood recovery exercise.
The operation follows the heavy floods that affected many parts of Ghana on June 28 and 29, 2026.
The main goal is to remove rubbish, mud, fallen trees, abandoned vehicles, and other objects blocking drains and waterways. These blockages have made flooding worse in many communities.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Friday, July 3, Brigadier General Forster Okae-Yeboah, Director General of Joint Operations at the Ghana Armed Forces, said the exercise is part of the government’s plan to repair damaged infrastructure and reduce the risk of future floods.
“We will focus on clearing refuse, mud, fallen trees, abandoned vehicles, collapsed structures, and other debris blocking roads, bridges, drains, and waterways,” he said.
He explained that, together with the relevant government agencies and in line with Ghana’s laws, authorities may also remove buildings that have been illegally constructed in waterways or structures that pose an immediate danger to public safety.
Brigadier General Okae-Yeboah appealed to people living or operating businesses within waterways and protected environmental areas to cooperate with officials so the exercise can be carried out smoothly.
The nationwide operation will be carried out in partnership with several government institutions, including the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ghana Health Service, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
He added that all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies have also been instructed to organise clean-up exercises in their own communities to support the national operation.
The military officer warned that some roads may be temporarily closed or diverted while the work is ongoing. He asked the public to cooperate with security officers and follow all traffic and safety instructions.
“The government is committed to ensuring that this exercise is carried out professionally, fairly, and in accordance with the laws of Ghana,” he said.
The nationwide deployment of the Ghana Armed Forces comes after the recent floods caused widespread destruction and exposed the serious blockage of drains and waterways in many parts of the country.
The government hopes the exercise will help restore affected communities and reduce the impact of future flooding.
