Friday not a public holiday despite nationwide clean-up, government clarifies
The government says Friday, July 10, is not a public holiday despite the nationwide flood clean-up exercise. Workers are expected to participate while markets and shops remain closed.
Workers ordered to join flood clean-up as markets and shops close for two-day exercise
The government has clarified that Friday, July 10, is not a public holiday, despite the nationwide closure of markets and shops for a two-day clean-up exercise ordered by President John Dramani Mahama following the recent floods.
Presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu said Friday remains a normal working day, but public sector workers are expected to suspend their usual duties and take part in the national clean-up instead.
Speaking on Peace FM, Mr Kwakye Ofosu urged employers to release their staff to participate, describing the exercise as a shared national responsibility.
"We have to make our country neat and clean, but it can't be done by just the government. That is why it's important Ghanaians join in and help," he said.
The National General Cleaning Days, scheduled for July 10 and 11, were announced after floods on June 29 killed at least 12 people and affected about 38,800 others across seven regions.
The exercise, being coordinated by the Post-Flood Mitigation Committee under the theme "Our Actions, Our Future:
Cleaning Ghana after the Floods," aims to clear debris, desilt drains and disinfect flood-affected markets and public spaces to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and further flooding.
President Mahama has directed ministers, Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, heads of state institutions and other public officials to leave their offices and lead clean-up activities in their communities.
Markets and shops to close
Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister Ahmed Ibrahim said all markets and shops in the affected areas must remain closed throughout the two-day exercise to allow for cleaning and disinfection.
He warned that traders and shop owners who ignored the directive could face sanctions.
"The market, when the flood came, it entered most of the market. So 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," he said.
The clean-up will take place in the Greater Accra, Volta, Central, Western, Western North, Ashanti and Eastern regions, all of which were affected by the floods.
Saturday's activities will involve the general public, while Friday's exercise is primarily for workers from government institutions, ministries and local assemblies.