National clean-up exercise is a necessity, not an option – Pelpuo

The Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, has called on Ghanaians to actively participate in the nationwide clean-up exercise, describing it as a necessary step towards preventing future flooding and improving sanitation.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Thursday, July 9, ahead of the national exercise, Dr Pelpuo said the initiative goes beyond words and reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of flooding.

“It is a necessity. It is something we are committed to. We are responding to the general government policy, which is a great deal for us to not just pray about not getting the thing again but practically dealing with it,” he said.

The Minister stressed that preventing floods requires collective action rather than leaving the responsibility to government alone.

“Not just sitting down and thinking that somebody else is responsible but generally coming together to say this every year challenge we face must stop,” he stated.

Dr Pelpuo expressed confidence that the annual flooding challenge could be overcome if citizens played their part by keeping their surroundings clean.

“Everybody must get involved and we are dead sure that if people are aware of what they must do and committed to doing what is necessary, we can resolve the challenge,” he added.

His comments come ahead of the National General Cleaning Days declared by President John Dramani Mahama for Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, in response to the devastating floods that hit parts of the country on June 29.

The exercise, being organised under the auspices of the Post-Flood Mitigation Committee, is expected to mobilise government officials, security agencies, local assemblies, waste management companies and the general public to desilt drains, clear refuse and improve sanitation in flood-affected communities.

President Mahama has directed ministers, Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, heads of public institutions and other government appointees to lead the clean-up activities in their respective communities as part of efforts to reduce the risk of future flooding.