25 ARRESTED IN CAPE COAST (OGUA) FOR DEFYING NATIONAL SANITATION DAY INITIATIVE REPORT BY ERIC ANNAN

Twenty-five (25) shop owners in Cape Coast, Ogua, have been arrested for allegedly defying the government's National General Cleaning Days initiative. The exercise, held on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, 2026, was introduced by the President following the devastating floods of June 29, 2026. The floods claimed 13 lives and affected more than 7,000 households. The initiative, themed "Our Actions, Our Future: Cleaning Ghana After the Floods," was launched as an emergency response to improve environmental sanitation and prevent future flooding. As part of the exercise, shop owners were directed not to open their businesses until 1:00 p.m. after participating in the nationwide clean-up. However, some traders failed to comply with the directive, leading to their arrest. Speaking on the Ghana Nti Morning Show with Nana Nhyiraba Kwabena Asirifi, Cape Coast correspondent Eric Annan reported that many buildings in the area were old and structurally weak. According to him, the heavy rains caused some of these buildings to collapse, resulting in the deaths of several occupants. During the clean-up exercise, authorities also closed down unsafe buildings while gutters and drainage systems were cleared to improve water flow. Mr. Annan further reported that the 25 shop owners who ignored the directive and opened their businesses were arrested. The Mayor for Akropong, Honourable John Evans Kumordzi, questioned the traders over their failure to comply with the President's directive. He also stated that the Director-General of Education, Professor Ernest Kofi Davis, ensured that schools in Cape Coast, including Adisadel College, St. Augustine's College, and several others, participated in the clean-up exercise. Mr. Annan concluded that the arrested individuals are expected to be arraigned before court to face the appropriate legal process. However, he said it was not yet clear whether they would appear in court today or tomorrow.