By Zobia Zulfqar 
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the military and other security agencies will begin dredging major waterways across Ghana as part of a long-term strategy to reduce flooding and improve drainage systems.
The announcement was made on Friday, July 10, during the first day of a nationwide clean-up exercise held in response to the devastating floods that struck parts of Accra and several other communities on June 29.
Speaking at Tse Addo in Accra, President Mahama said the government is committed to ensuring that drains and waterways are properly maintained to allow rainwater to flow freely into wetlands, reducing the risk of future floods.
He explained that the clean-up campaign marks the beginning of a broader flood prevention programme that will continue beyond the one-day exercise.
The President praised Ghanaians for their strong participation in the nationwide clean-up, saying the high turnout demonstrated a shared commitment to keeping communities clean and preventing environmental disasters.
According to him, the military, together with other security services, will take over after the public exercise to carry out extensive dredging of major drains and waterways.
He said the work will focus on clearing blocked channels and improving water flow so that drainage systems can function effectively during heavy rainfall.
President Mahama stressed that the exercise will not be a one-time intervention but a continuous effort aimed at strengthening Ghana’s flood management systems.
He noted that regular maintenance of drainage infrastructure is essential to protecting lives, homes and businesses from the effects of flooding.
In addition to the dredging programme, the President proposed the introduction of a monthly national clean-up day to encourage citizens to play an active role in maintaining a clean environment.
He called on Ghanaians to dedicate at least one day every month to cleaning their communities, streets and public spaces.
According to him, regular community participation, supported by waste management companies, would help improve sanitation and reduce the accumulation of waste that often blocks drains.
The President said keeping cities clean is a shared responsibility and urged citizens to adopt better waste disposal habits throughout the year.
He expressed confidence that consistent sanitation efforts would significantly reduce flooding while creating healthier communities across the country.
The nationwide clean-up exercise follows the severe floods that affected large parts of Accra and surrounding areas on June 29.
The floods caused widespread destruction, damaging homes, businesses and public infrastructure while disrupting transportation and daily life in many communities.
The disaster also renewed concerns about poor drainage systems, indiscriminate waste disposal and the growing problem of structures built on waterways.
Experts have repeatedly warned that blocked drains and uncontrolled development continue to increase flood risks in urban areas, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
President Mahama’s latest measures form part of the government’s broader response to those concerns, combining immediate clean-up activities with longer-term efforts to improve drainage infrastructure.
The proposed monthly clean-up programme is also expected to promote greater public awareness about environmental sanitation and encourage stronger community involvement in protecting public spaces.
Government officials believe that combining regular maintenance of waterways with active public participation can help reduce the impact of seasonal flooding while improving overall environmental conditions.
The administration says it will continue working with local authorities, security agencies and sanitation companies to implement the planned initiatives and strengthen Ghana’s resilience against future flooding.