By Godwill Arthur-Mensah
Accra, July 7, GNA – Parliament has endorsed President John Dramani Mahama’s declaration of Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, 2026, as National General Cleaning Days following the devastating June 29 floods that affected seven regions.
Mr Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, in a statement on the floor of the House on Tuesday, urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to mobilise their constituents and actively participate in the nationwide clean-up exercise.
In view of this, the leadership of Parliament has decided that the House will not sit on Friday, July 10, to enable MPs to join their respective communities in the exercise.
Speaker Bagbin emphasised that addressing the perennial challenge of flooding required the collective efforts of all citizens and institutions.
He underscored the importance of sustainable environmental governance, environmental stewardship, behavioural change and improved drainage infrastructure.
Members from both sides of the House supported the statement and lauded the initiative.
They stressed the need for decisive action, including the demolition of structures on waterways and the strict enforcement of environmental and planning laws across the country.
The legislators cautioned against partisan politics and the blame game over flooding, saying the focus should be on finding lasting solutions to the problem.
They sympathised with families who lost their loved ones in the disaster and called for comprehensive policy interventions to address the menace.
On June 29, 2026, torrential rains triggered devastating floods across seven regions of the country.
The disaster claimed more than 30 lives and destroyed homes, businesses and critical infrastructure.
The tragedy has reignited calls for stronger environmental management, stricter enforcement of planning regulations and greater community resilience to mitigate the impact of flooding.
The declaration of the National General Cleaning Days is expected to mobilise citizens to address sanitation challenges and help prevent future flood-related disasters.
GNA
Edited by Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Godwill Arthur-MensahÂ
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