The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has called on Ghanaians to play an active role in maintaining clean surroundings to prevent disease outbreaks following the recent floods that affected parts of Accra.
The appeal comes as health authorities intensify post-flood sanitation efforts, including the fumigation and disinfection of public places, after the nationwide clean-up exercise organised by the government.
Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, said the success of the ongoing intervention depends not only on the efforts of government agencies but also on the commitment of residents to observe proper hygiene and sanitation practices.
As part of measures to reduce the risk of waterborne and sanitation-related diseases, the GHS has begun fumigating markets, transport terminals and other public spaces across affected areas in the capital.
The exercise is intended to eliminate disease-causing organisms left behind by floodwaters and reduce the likelihood of outbreaks of illnesses such as cholera, typhoid and other infections that commonly emerge after flooding.
Dr. Akoriyea noted that while the government is investing resources to restore healthy environmental conditions, residents also have a responsibility to keep their homes and communities clean.
He urged the public to dispose of waste properly, avoid dumping refuse into drains and maintain good personal hygiene to support the nationwide effort to protect public health.
The Director-General stressed that preventing disease outbreaks is far more effective and less costly than responding to a health emergency after infections begin to spread.
Meanwhile, the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly is continuing efforts to remove large volumes of waste washed into communities by the floods.
The accumulation of debris in some parts of the municipality has generated concerns among residents, prompting local authorities to accelerate clean-up operations.
Municipal Chief Executive Alfred Gaisie appealed to residents to remain patient while sanitation teams complete the exercise.
He assured the public that all remaining flood-generated waste would be cleared before the end of the day, adding that the assembly remains committed to restoring a clean and safe environment.
Health authorities have also encouraged residents to report any suspected symptoms of waterborne diseases to the nearest health facility as post-flood recovery efforts continue across the capital.
