A renewed campaign to end indiscriminate waste disposal into drains has been launched following the recent floods that caused widespread destruction across parts of Ghana.
President John Dramani Mahama says changing public attitudes toward waste disposal is essential if the country is to reduce recurring flooding and build more resilient communities.
The President made the call after participating in a clean-up exercise at Alajo as part of the two-day national clean-up campaign.
Floods Renew Call for Behaviour Change
According to President Mahama, the recent floods exposed the urgent need for Ghanaians to stop using drains as dumping sites for household waste and other refuse.
He noted that blocked drainage systems continue to worsen flooding, resulting in avoidable destruction of lives and property whenever heavy rains occur.
The President stressed that tackling the problem requires a collective commitment from citizens alongside government interventions.
Drains Filled with Waste
Mr. Mahama disclosed that the drain at Alajo, which forms part of the Odaw Stream, contained large quantities of plastics, household refuse and bulky discarded items.
He said officials discovered engine blocks, old furniture, dining tables, and other waste obstructing the free flow of water.
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According to him, such practices continue to undermine efforts to improve drainage infrastructure and prevent flooding.
Shared Responsibility
The President urged citizens to take greater responsibility for protecting public drainage systems by disposing of waste through approved channels.
He stressed that drains are designed to carry stormwater and should never be used as dumping grounds for refuse.
According to him, changing public attitudes remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the impact of floods.
Building Resilient Communities
President Mahama acknowledged the devastating impact of the recent floods but expressed confidence that Ghana could recover and become more resilient through sustained sanitation efforts.
He said government would continue investing in flood mitigation while encouraging communities to actively participate in keeping their surroundings clean.
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Nationwide Clean-Up Continues
The Alajo exercise formed part of the ongoing national clean-up campaign aimed at improving environmental sanitation and reducing flood risks.
Government believes sustained public participation, combined with responsible waste management practices, will help create cleaner communities and significantly reduce flooding across the country.
The President appealed to all Ghanaians to support the campaign by keeping drains free from waste and adopting environmentally responsible habits.
