Gov’t Owes Zoomlion GH₵1.2bn for Waste Management Services – Minister
The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has disclosed that the government owes Zoomlion Ghana Limited a substantial GH₵1.2 billion for waste management services provided over the past two years.
Speaking on Adom TV, the minister revealed that this debt, which was carried over from the Akufo-Addo administration, has been a significant challenge for the current government. He acknowledged the impact of these unpaid bills on private waste management firms under the Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) but stressed the importance of maintaining strong collaborations with companies like Zoomlion to address Ghana’s sanitation challenges.
Ahmed Ibrahim emphasized that the government is working closely with Zoomlion to improve waste management, particularly in recycling plastic waste. He commended the company for its significant investments in modern solid and liquid waste treatment infrastructure, noting that the government lacks similar facilities to manage the increasing waste generated in urban areas.
He pointed out that Zoomlion has played a crucial role in not just waste collection but also faecal waste management. The minister warned of a possible sanitation crisis if Zoomlion were to halt its operations, recalling past practices where untreated faecal waste was dumped directly into the ocean, posing severe environmental and health hazards. However, he highlighted that Zoomlion’s liquid waste recycling plants now convert sewage into compost and charcoal, aligning with a 2016 ban on sea disposal introduced by former President John Dramani Mahama.
Given the increasing sanitation concerns, the minister urged the government to prioritize waste management efforts. He cited a cholera outbreak in October 2023 in coastal cities such as Cape Coast, Winneba, and Takoradi as a stark reminder of the need for proactive measures. To prevent similar occurrences, he called for increased public education on sanitation risks and the promotion of proper waste disposal practices.
Despite the financial challenges, Ahmed Ibrahim reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with private waste management firms. He emphasized the necessity of continued collaboration to improve sanitation infrastructure and waste management services nationwide.
The minister’s revelations highlight the ongoing financial burden on the government in the sanitation sector, as well as the critical role private companies like Zoomlion play in keeping Ghana’s cities clean. With the growing waste management demands, ensuring timely payments and strengthening public-private partnerships will be essential in tackling the country’s sanitation issues effectively.
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