Friday is not a public holiday, despite the nationwide closure of markets and shops for a two-day national clean-up exercise ordered by President John Dramani Mahama following recent floods that affected seven regions.
Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ahmed Ibrahim said all workers are expected to take part in the exercise, adding that security agencies have been directed to enforce the presidential order. He warned that traders and shop owners who open for business during the exercise will face consequences.
The National General Cleaning Days follow floods that hit parts of the country — particularly the Greater Accra Region — on June 29, 2026. The floods claimed at least 12 lives and affected roughly 38,800 people, damaging homes, businesses and public facilities.
Government says the exercise is aimed at clearing debris, desilting drains and disinfecting flood-affected markets and public spaces, in an effort to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and further flooding ahead of the next heavy rains.
President Mahama has declared July 10 and 11, 2026, as National General Cleaning Days, directing ministers, Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, heads of state institutions and other public officials to step away from their offices and lead clean-up activities in their communities.
The exercise is being coordinated by the Post-Flood Mitigation Committee under the theme “Our Actions, Our Future: Cleaning Ghana after the Floods.” Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced the initiative in a statement issued on July 6, 2026.
The clean-up will take place in the Greater Accra, Volta, Central, Western, Western North, Ashanti and Eastern regions — all affected by the recent floods.
Ibrahim said all markets and shops are to remain closed throughout the two days to allow drains to be desilted, refuse cleared, and flood-affected markets disinfected.
“Everybody must be on board. All markets and shops must be closed. So if you go and open your shop, you will be on fire,” he said.
