Police deploy thousands of officers for two-day national cleanup exercise

The Ghana Police Service has deployed thousands of officers across the country to participate in the two-day National General Cleaning Exercise, which commenced on Friday, July 10, as part of the government's efforts to improve environmental sanitation and reduce the risk of flooding.

The nationwide exercise follows the devastating floods that affected several parts of Ghana on June 29, particularly the Greater Accra Region, where lives were lost, thousands of residents were displaced, and extensive damage was caused to homes, businesses and public infrastructure.

In a statement, the Police Administration announced that it had mobilised personnel and logistics to support the clean-up campaign, reaffirming the Service's commitment to promoting public safety beyond its traditional law enforcement responsibilities.

According to the Police, officers have been equipped with brooms, wheelbarrows, tricycles and other sanitation tools to assist in clearing refuse, desilting drains and restoring public spaces in communities across the country.

The Service encouraged residents to actively participate alongside police officers, stressing that environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility that requires the collective effort of all citizens.

"Join our officers in various communities across the country; let us keep Ghana safe and clean," the Police Service appealed.

The National General Cleaning Exercise was introduced by the government following the widespread flooding on June 29, which claimed at least 13 lives, displaced thousands of people and highlighted persistent challenges including poor drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal and inadequate environmental sanitation.

As part of the government's post-flood response, President John Dramani Mahama directed all government appointees—including Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, Chief Executive Officers of state institutions, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), and heads of public institutions—to leave their offices and lead clean-up exercises within their respective jurisdictions.

The exercise is being coordinated by the government's Post-Flood Mitigation Committee and focuses on clearing choked drains, removing accumulated waste, desilting waterways and improving sanitation in flood-prone communities to minimise the likelihood of future flooding.

Authorities have also urged businesses, community organisations, transport operators, traditional leaders, religious institutions and residents to fully support the initiative, describing it as a critical step toward building cleaner, healthier and more resilient communities.

Government has indicated that the National General Cleaning Exercise forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen environmental management, improve public health and enhance the country's preparedness for future heavy rainfall.