The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) commended the government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, for the bold initiative to declare Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11, 2026, as a two-day national clean-up exercise following the devastating floods that recently affected seven regions of the country, claiming lives, displacing families, destroying homes, businesses and critical infrastructure and causing untold hardship to thousands of Ghanaians.

The Association considered the nationwide exercise, held on Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11, 2026, not only timely and necessary but also largely successful in mobilising citizens, institutions and communities towards restoring environmental cleanliness and reinforcing the national resolve to confront the perennial challenge of poor sanitation.

The GJA particularly applauded President Mahama for demonstrating exemplary, practical and inspiring leadership by personally participating in the clean-up exercise.

His decision to lead from the front sent a powerful message that environmental sanitation is a shared national responsibility and not the sole duty of any institution or agency. Such leadership inspired countless citizens across the country to volunteer their time and energy in support of the exercise.

The President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, joined President Mahama, government officials and thousands of volunteers in the clean-up exercise, reaffirming the Association’s commitment to promoting national development, environmental sustainability and responsible citizenship.

The GJA further applauded the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), Regional Coordinating Councils, sanitation agencies, traditional authorities, security services, civil society organisations, youth groups and community volunteers whose coordinated efforts ensured the success of the exercise in many parts of the country. Their dedication demonstrates what can be achieved when the nation unites behind a common cause.

The Association reserves special commendation for the Ghanaian media for the professionalism and public service demonstrated before and throughout the exercise. Television stations, radio stations, newspapers, online news portals and other digital media platforms devoted extensive airtime and publication space to educating the public, providing continuous updates, interviewing key stakeholders and mobilising communities to participate actively in the clean-up exercise.

The GJA is particularly proud of journalists across the country who left the comfort of their newsrooms to report directly from communities, drains, streets and public spaces where the exercise was taking place.

Their commitment reflected the highest ideals of civic and development journalism by informing, educating and inspiring citizens to become active participants in national development. Their coverage once again demonstrated that journalism is not merely about reporting events but also about advancing the public good and contributing meaningfully to national transformation.