The National Clean Up Exercise has begun across Accra, with security personnel, volunteers, waste management companies and residents joining forces to clear flood debris and improve sanitation following the recent floods.
At the Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle, personnel from the security services, volunteers and workers from Zoomlion Ghana Limited gathered early on Friday for deployment to various parts of the capital.
Similar exercises were underway in communities including Ayawaso East, where residents actively participated in the clean up.
Managing Director of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Madam Doris Kweku Adjei, said the company had deployed sufficient personnel and equipment to support a successful exercise across the city.
Several government officials also took part in the exercise. Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, urged Ghanaians to actively participate in the campaign to improve sanitation.
She encouraged residents to join officers in communities across the country to help keep Ghana clean and safe.
Schools also joined the exercise. Pupils and staff of God’s Love Abounds School at Alajo were seen cleaning the frontage of their school as part of the national campaign.
The clean up exercise follows a directive by President John Dramani Mahama as part of efforts to restore communities affected by the recent floods and improve sanitation across the capital.
Activities include clearing refuse and flood debris, desilting choked drains, sweeping streets, clearing weeds and sand from roads, fumigating affected areas and cleaning markets, lorry parks, recreational parks and other public spaces.
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly said Friday’s activities involve the Assembly, security services, private institutions, educational institutions, waste management companies and members of the public.
Saturday’s exercise will focus on community participation, with residents, volunteer groups, security agencies and other stakeholders expected to continue the clean up.
The Assembly has also appealed to market leaders, transport unions, business associations, religious organisations and community leaders to mobilise their members to participate fully and comply with the temporary closure directive issued for the exercise.
