Let's take responsibility for our environment to end perennial flooding — Joyce Bawah
A Senior Presidential Advisor and Special Aide to President John Dramani Mahama, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, has called on Ghanaians to take greater responsibility for protecting the environment as part of efforts to address the country's recurring flood crisis.
Her appeal comes ahead of a two-day National General Cleaning Exercise scheduled for Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, in seven regions affected by the recent floods.
In a social media post on Thursday, July 9, Joyce Bawah said tackling perennial flooding requires both government intervention and active public participation.
She urged citizens to adopt responsible environmental practices to safeguard lives and property.
"It is imperative for citizens to take responsibility for their environment, ensure decluttering of waterways, and minimize pollution. By working together, we can build a better future for ourselves and the next generation," her post read in part.
She noted that the recent torrential rains that flooded parts of Accra, leading to deaths, displacement and destruction of infrastructure, highlighted the country's longstanding challenges with waste management and indiscriminate disposal of refuse.
According to her, the Mahama administration is pursuing long-term measures to address the flooding menace through collaboration with security agencies, the Anti-Flood Committee and other stakeholders.
"The administration, under the leadership of the President, is committed to finding lasting solutions to flooding and has been engaging with the Security services, Anti Flood Committee, and other well-meaning citizens in this endeavor," she noted.
Joyce Bawah further encouraged the public to use the upcoming nationwide clean-up exercise as an opportunity to change attitudes toward sanitation and embrace sustainable waste disposal practices to reduce the risk of future floods.