Gov’t orders market closure for flood clean‑up or face punishment
The government has directed that all markets, shops and commercial centres in the Greater Accra Region remain closed during the two‑day National General Cleaning Exercise scheduled for July 10 and 11, warning that violators will face legal consequences.
The exercise, ordered by President John Dramani Mahama in response to the devastating June 29 floods, is aimed at restoring sanitation, clearing drains and preventing disease outbreaks. Coordinated by the Post‑Flood Mitigation Committee under the theme “Our Actions, Our Future: Cleaning Ghana after the Floods,” the initiative forms part of a broader recovery programme.
President Mahama has instructed ministers, MPs, metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives, and heads of state institutions to leave their offices and lead clean‑up activities in their jurisdictions.
Local Government Minister Ahmed Ibrahim stressed that the directive is binding on all residents and traders.
“Everybody must be on board. All markets and shops must be closed… If the President speaks and you want to take it for granted, the law will deal with you. He is the Commander‑in‑Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces,” he told stakeholders in Accra.
He cautioned that attempts to undermine the directive would not be tolerated, adding that security agencies are fully engaged to enforce compliance.
Authorities say floodwaters carried debris and contaminants into trading areas, making thorough cleaning and disinfection essential before business resumes.
“If we don’t close them and sweep and collect all the debris and disinfect most of the places, they will be buying and selling all those things for us to eat, and there will be an outbreak of diseases,” Mr Ibrahim explained.
The Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector‑General of Police and the Controller‑General of Immigration have all pledged support, with personnel deployed to maintain order during the operation. Senior government officials, including ministers and MPs, will join residents in the clean‑up.
The June 29 floods claimed lives, displaced thousands and damaged infrastructure across Accra. The clean‑up is designed to clear choked drains, remove refuse and restore sanitary conditions as government intensifies efforts to mitigate future disasters and safeguard public health.
Source: myjoyonline.com
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