Shops, businesses must close for national clean-up exercise — Ga Mantse orders

The Ga Mantse and President of the Ga Traditional Council, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has directed all shops, markets, and commercial establishments in Accra to suspend operations during this week’s National General Cleaning Days to enable residents to participate fully in the exercise.

The directive, contained in a statement dated July 7, requires all commercial activities to cease between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, 2026.

The clean-up exercise is being organised in collaboration with the Office of the Greater Accra Regional Minister, the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly as part of efforts to improve sanitation and promote a cleaner environment in the capital.

“As custodians of this land, the Ga Mantse and President of the Ga Traditional Council, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, and the entire membership of the Ga Traditional Council, in partnership with government… do hereby invoke the spirit of unity and civic duty among the people of the Ga State.”

According to the Council, the exercise is aimed at clearing refuse, desilting drains and restoring environmental cleanliness across the city.

“To ensure our streets are purged of filth and our drains restored to health, the Ga Traditional Council orders that all shops, markets, and commercial entities within Accra remain closed between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on both days.”

The statement stressed that the temporary suspension of commercial activities is compulsory for all businesses, with the exception of emergency services, essential medical facilities and authorised sanitation personnel.

“This suspension of commerce is mandatory for all, with the sole exception of emergency services, essential medical units, and authorised sanitation personnel.”

The Ga Mantse also appealed to residents to comply with the directive and actively take part in the clean-up exercise.

“Let every citizen rise to this call with discipline. When we cease our trading to cleanse our land, we secure our future and uphold the dignity of our people. A clean Accra is the strength of the Ga State and the pride of our nation.”

The National General Cleaning Days form part of ongoing collaboration between traditional authorities and government to improve environmental sanitation, reduce flooding and minimise the risk of disease outbreaks in Accra.