The national clean-up exercise announced by President John Dramani Mahama has sparked a political firestorm. The NPP's Ashanti Regional Communications Director, Paul Yandoh, claims the president deliberately scheduled the exercise to clash with the party's internal elections — and he is not staying quiet about it.
The Accusation
Speaking on Kumasi-based Akoma FM, Yandoh did not hold back. He alleged that fixing the National Clean-up Days for Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, 2026, was a calculated move to disrupt the NPP's electoral process. "What he is doing is not the mark of a good leader, nor does it reflect inclusiveness," he argued.
His core message to the president was direct: "Ghana does not belong to the NDC alone."
The Timeline Clash
Yandoh pointed out that Saturday, July 11, is the same day the NPP will be holding its internal elections. He questioned whether the president was unaware of this or simply chose to ignore it. "Hasn't he heard that the party will be conducting elections on those days? …and he has deliberately fixed the national clean-up exercise on those days?" he asked.
In his view, a leader committed to democracy would have rescheduled to avoid conflict.
Yandoh's Message to NPP Members
Despite his anger, Yandoh urged party members to stay focused. "I urge all NPP members not to be discouraged. Not even the President can stop us from holding our primaries," he emphasised.
What the Government Says
The clean-up, organised by the Post-Flood Mitigation Committee, targets seven regions hit by devastating floods on June 29 that killed about 13 people and destroyed over 7,000 homes. Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu described it as a "critical, nationwide exercise" focused on desilting drains, clearing roads, and cleaning public spaces.
President Mahama has directed all ministers, MPs, CEOs, and district chief executives to leave their offices and personally lead cleanup efforts in their communities.
The Bigger Question
Was this poor planning or deliberate interference? The floods were real, the damage was severe, and the need for action is urgent. But in Ghana's polarised political climate, timing is never just timing. Yandoh's accusation taps into a deep suspicion that the ruling party will use any tool — even disaster response — to weaken the opposition.
For ordinary Ghanaians, the frustration is simpler: when everything becomes political, who is actually thinking about the flooded homes and clogged drains?
