President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaians to adopt a proactive approach to sanitation, warning against delaying action until disasters strike.

Speaking during the first day of the two-day nationwide clean-up exercise on Friday, July 10, 2026, the president said the country must avoid the attitude captured in a local proverb about a vulture that continually postpones repairing its roof.

"We're not going to be like the vulture who says when the rain stops, he will repair his roof, and when the rain [indeed] stops, he then says there's no need to repair it," he said.

"And so we must clear the drains," he added, citing an important area to consider in sanitation and flood prevention.

President Mahama said the nationwide clean-up exercise, which followed the devastating floods of June 29, was intended to encourage preventive action rather than waiting for another disaster before addressing sanitation challenges.

Speaking to the media in Alajo, flanked by the Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo and Ga King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Mr Mahama stressed the importance of keeping drains clear and urged the public to make proper use of rubbish containers instead of dumping waste into waterways.

He bemoaned how in Alajo, there was found "engine blocks, old furniture, dining tables, everything you can find in that drain," which is part of the Odorna River.

"We must change our attitudes, and stop the reckless dumping of things into the drain. The drains are not garbage instruments," he admonished. 

The cleanup exercise saw shops remain closed until 1 PM to allow traders and residents to participate in desilting drains and clearing refuse.

Local assemblies, Members of Parliament, corporate organisations, political office holders and community members joined the campaign to improve sanitation in their respective areas.

President Mahama expressed optimism that improved sanitation practices would help reduce flood risks and create a safer and healthier environment.

"The floods have been devastating but we must show we are resilient and we can bounce back even better," he said.

The nationwide clean-up exercise continues on Saturday as part of efforts to improve environmental sanitation and minimise the impact of future flooding.