After devastating floods swept through parts of Ghana, a remarkable spirit of unity emerged across the nation. Over two days, Ghanaians from all walks of life rolled up their sleeves in response to President John Dramani Mahama’s directive for a national flood aftermath cleanup exercise. The massive turnout and dedication did not go unnoticed.
At a press conference held to reflect on the exercise, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, praised the people of Ghana for their collective effort and strong leadership. “If Ghanaians want to do something, we can do it,” he declared, pointing to the impressive results achieved when citizens unite for a common cause. He also commended the various political parties for their outstanding participation, underlining the non-partisan nature of the exercise.
The Minister extended his gratitude to President Mahama for initiating the exercise, as well as to Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who set an example by personally joining the cleanup in the markets and overseeing the desilting of gutters. He recognized the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Kingsford Alban Bagbin, who suspended Parliament so that Members of Parliament could participate alongside Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), traditional leaders, and queen mothers.
Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim also highlighted the tireless work of Chief Directors, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and ministry staff who worked late into the night to ensure logistics were in place. The exemplary participation of the Military, Police, Fire Service, Immigration, and Prisons Service, as well as the private sector’s contribution of trucks and equipment to clear debris, was applauded.
“Every ministry, every office, every institution, everybody was involved, and this is an all-inclusive clean-up exercise,” he emphasized. The Minister described scenes of unity, where people from all political backgrounds, including the bodyguards of both former and current presidents, worked side by side.
To ensure the cleanup effort’s success, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim announced that key waste facilities would remain open 24/7 for two days, with free disposal at locations such as the Achimota, Ashaiman, Pantang, and Teshie Waste Transfer Stations, among others. He encouraged all residents and waste collectors, including those using tricycles, to take full advantage of the free service, urging, “Don’t keep waste in your dustbins in your houses today and tomorrow.”
He cautioned MMDCEs not to close their offices early and to ensure that all desilted gutters and sand piles are cleared promptly. The Minister also reminded the Executive Chairman of Jospong Group of Companies to uphold a commitment to clear specific waste heaps by Sunday.
Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim concluded with a strong message: sanitation and cleanliness are a shared responsibility. “Our participation has been outstanding. Let us continue in that mode,” he said, encouraging Ghanaians to maintain the momentum and avoid dumping waste at unauthorized sites.
The national cleanup effort, marked by unity and determination, stands as a testament to the collective power of Ghanaians working together for a cleaner and safer environment.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com