‘Accra Will Bounce Back Better’ – President Mahama Pledges Stronger Recovery After Nationwide Clean-Up Exercise
President says flood recovery efforts will go beyond clean-up as government targets long-term sanitation and drainage reforms
By Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi & Emmanuel Ayiku | GhanaianNewsCanada | Accra, Ghana | July 11,2026
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed confidence that Accra will emerge stronger from the recent flood disaster, declaring that the capital city will “bounce back better” as the government intensifies efforts to restore sanitation, improve drainage infrastructure and build more resilient communities.
The President made the remarks after joining thousands of volunteers, security personnel, sanitation workers and residents in a nationwide clean-up exercise aimed at clearing refuse, desilting drains and restoring flood-affected communities across the capital.
His message comes in the aftermath of heavy rains that inundated several parts of Greater Accra and other regions, causing widespread disruption to businesses, homes and transportation while exposing longstanding weaknesses in urban sanitation and drainage systems.
From Emergency Response to Lasting Recovery
Speaking after participating in the clean-up exercise, President Mahama said the restoration of Accra would not end with the removal of waste and debris.
Instead, he emphasised that government is committed to implementing long-term measures that address the root causes of flooding, including poor drainage infrastructure, indiscriminate waste disposal and rapid urban development without adequate planning.
According to the President, the goal is not simply to restore the city to its previous state but to rebuild it into a cleaner, safer and more resilient capital capable of withstanding future climate-related challenges.
A National Effort
The nationwide sanitation campaign mobilised personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), Zoomlion Ghana Limited, community organisations and thousands of volunteers.
Together, they cleared blocked drains, removed tonnes of refuse from waterways and cleaned major roads, markets and public spaces in communities heavily affected by flooding.
President Mahama commended the strong public response, describing the exercise as a demonstration of national unity and collective responsibility.
He urged citizens to maintain the momentum by keeping their surroundings clean and avoiding practices that contribute to blocked drainage systems.
Building a Cleaner and More Resilient Capital
The President reiterated that improving sanitation must become a continuous national responsibility rather than an emergency response after disasters occur.
He indicated that government is considering introducing regular nationwide sanitation initiatives alongside stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and increased investment in drainage infrastructure.
He also stressed the importance of public education, noting that sustainable environmental management depends not only on government intervention but also on responsible behaviour from individuals, businesses and communities.
Addressing the Causes of Flooding
Environmental experts have consistently identified indiscriminate waste disposal, encroachment on waterways and inadequate drainage maintenance as major contributors to recurring floods in Accra.
Government believes that combining infrastructure improvements with stronger sanitation enforcement and greater public participation will significantly reduce future flood risks while protecting lives and property.
The President said ongoing recovery efforts would include collaboration with local authorities, engineers and environmental agencies to improve drainage networks and strengthen urban resilience.
Hope Beyond the Floods
While acknowledging the hardship experienced by affected families, President Mahama expressed optimism that the city would recover stronger than before.
He assured residents that government remains committed to supporting recovery efforts while implementing reforms aimed at creating a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable urban environment.
His declaration that “Accra will bounce back better” reflects a broader vision of transforming the recent disaster into an opportunity to modernise the capital’s sanitation systems and reinforce public commitment to environmental responsibility.
Looking Ahead
As floodwaters recede and recovery efforts continue, attention is now shifting toward preventing similar disasters in the future.
Urban planners and environmental experts say sustained investment in drainage infrastructure, effective waste management and active community participation will be essential if Accra is to become a truly flood-resilient city.
For many residents, the nationwide clean-up exercise marks the beginning of a larger national conversation about environmental stewardship, climate resilience and the shared responsibility of building a cleaner Ghana for future generations.
