President John Mahama, Saturday, personally immersed himself in the filth of the capital, Accra, to help clean the city.

Reminiscent of a similar move by Jerry Rawlings when he was head of state some two decades ago, Mahama descended into filthy drains and garbage-choked corners in James Town, a slummy suburb of Accra, to clean up the area.

Accra Mayor Alfred Vanderpuije and other government officials were also part of the cleanup exercise.

The President used the gesture to encourage residents in the area to also clean up their environment so as to avert cholera and other diseases.

More than 7,000 people have been affected by cholera this year, with close to 70 of them dying in Accra alone.

Mr Mahama urged Residents of the area to clean their communities weekly so as to stay healthy.