The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has conducted an extensive clean-up across its three sub-metropolitan districts—Ashiedu Keteke, Ablekuma South, and Okaikoi South—to combat persistent city flooding.

 The initiative was part of activities marking National Sanitation Day (NSD), typically observed on the first Saturday of every month.

Speaking to the media during the operation, Engineer Solomon Noi, the head of waste management at AMA, explained that the cleanup had become urgent due to recent rains, which had caused severe blockages of drains with accumulated debris.

Engineer Noi pointed out that Accra’s low-lying topography exacerbates flooding, as floodwaters frequently carry waste into storm drains, particularly in vulnerable areas. Despite the postponement of the official National Sanitation Day launch, he indicated that the Assembly chose to proceed with the exercise to address urgent sanitation concerns.

He specifically attributed the city's sanitation problems to traders selling directly over the drains, leading to the dumping of waste, including food remnants like yam peels and rotten tomatoes.

"We are targeting major and tertiary drains to prevent flooding caused by waste washed into our area. Some traders are selling directly over the drains and throwing waste into them, which turns the drains into dumping sites," Engineer Noi explained.

He further criticised commercial vehicle operators and motorcyclists (okada riders) for parking along roadsides, obstructing water flow and contributing to flooding and road damage.

According to Noi, the AMA is committed to enforcing municipal bylaws to clear traders and vehicles obstructing roads and drainage paths, emphasising the significant public health risks posed by clogged drains, which harbour rats and other disease-carrying organisms.

He urged residents to avoid conducting commercial activities on drainage paths and to utilise designated market spaces instead. Engineer Noi also highlighted health hazards associated with prolonged exposure to vehicle emissions and the risks of accidents for traders operating close to traffic.

Meanwhile, in Mamprobi, the local Assembly Member, Hon. Meschach Mensah, spearheaded a parallel community-driven clean-up exercise. Hon. Mensah noted that he visited homes to rally residents' participation.

''Improper waste disposal is still a significant challenge. We need to start separating plastic and organic waste to reduce the volume of waste ending up in gutters,” Hon. Mensah lamented.

He commended the community members for their active participation and emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining a clean environment.