The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) will lead a nationwide post-flood cleanup exercise following the devastating floods of June 29, with authorities warning that illegal structures obstructing waterways and drainage corridors could be demolished.
The exercise forms part of a broader government programme to restore affected communities and strengthen Ghana’s flood resilience.
Briefing the public on Friday, July 3, Brigadier General Forster Okae-Yeboah, Director General of Joint Operations of the Ghana Armed Forces, said the military has been tasked with coordinating the nationwide recovery operation.
He said military personnel, engineers and heavy equipment will be deployed to clear drains, rivers, streams and other waterways blocked by debris, silt, fallen trees and collapsed structures.
The operation will also focus on reopening roads and restoring critical infrastructure damaged by the floods.
Brigadier General Okae-Yeboah said the cleanup will support sanitation and public health efforts aimed at preventing disease outbreaks, including cholera and typhoid.
The Armed Forces will work alongside the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Health Service, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
As part of the exercise, authorities said structures built within waterways and drainage reservations that obstruct flood management efforts could be demolished.
The planned demolitions, they said, will be carried out in accordance with existing laws and directives from the appropriate civil authorities.
Residents in affected communities have been urged to cooperate with security personnel throughout the operation.
Authorities also advised motorists and the public to comply with traffic diversions and safety instructions, as temporary road closures are expected in some areas during the cleanup exercise.
The government said the nationwide cleanup is part of a wider flood mitigation strategy that includes improving drainage infrastructure, strengthening early warning systems and enforcing environmental and planning regulations.
Officials assured the public that the exercise would be conducted professionally and in accordance with Ghana’s laws.
