Response to Manasseh Azure Awuni’s Article: A Misguided Crusade Against Zoomlion.
Manasseh Azure Awuni’s latest publication, titled "Malik Basintale, Please, Don’t Push This Thievery!", represents yet another desperate attempt to undermine the hard-earned reputation of Zoomlion Ghana Limited and its Executive Chairman, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong. His sensational and misleading piece is not only unjust but fundamentally flawed and devoid of the technical understanding required in the dynamic and complex field of waste management.
The Irony of Manasseh's Command
It is baffling that the same Manasseh who once insulted, disrespected, and maligned H.E. John Dramani Mahama—particularly over the infamous Ford saga—now believes he has the moral authority to instruct one of Mahama’s appointees not to renew a contract that has placed Ghana at the forefront of waste management infrastructure in Africa.
And who is Manasseh to issue commands to Malik Basintale? Is he more youthful than Malik, the youth president? The audacity is astonishing.
Manasseh has built a reputation around using his pen to target and vilify people. Meanwhile, countries like Nigeria, Liberia, Kenya, Uganda, Angola, and Gambia—among roughly 18 others—have engaged Zoomlion to replicate the innovative waste management infrastructure pioneered in Ghana. This expansion speaks volumes about the company’s credibility and expertise.
If Manasseh possessed any sense of integrity, he would bow his head in shame and refrain from further misrepresentation.
Let us not forget that this is the same Manasseh who remained silent during the Capital Bank saga, allegedly because his church leader, Dr. Mensa Otabil, was involved. Where were his so-called gatekeeping principles then?
Nevertheless, my purpose here is not to dwell on Manasseh’s inconsistencies, but to respond directly to his misinformation and veiled threats towards Malik Basintale and Zoomlion Ghana Limited—a company I hold in the highest regard.
1. Assemblies Lack the Capacity
Contrary to Manasseh’s claim that Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) are better positioned to manage waste, the reality is that they lack both the logistical resources and skilled workforce necessary for efficient waste management.
Most MMDAs do not have functional equipment such as compactor trucks, skip loaders, tricycles, or modern waste segregation and treatment infrastructure. In contrast, Zoomlion has built a robust national infrastructure through its IRECOPs, recycling plants, and composting facilities—an achievement no single MMDA can match.
Beyond capacity issues, political interference will likely hinder any assembly-led initiative. Party loyalists are often tasked with execution, while MPs and MMDCEs—who are politically affiliated—are expected to enforce standards. Realistically, how strict can they be with their own party members?
2. Human Resource and Professionalism
Manasseh argues that MMDAs employ more competent staff than Zoomlion. Based on what data?
Zoomlion's district and regional staff are not merely workers; many are professionals with master’s degrees in environmental science, engineering, or public health. They have undergone extensive local and international training. Over 120 Ghanaian youths are currently studying in Russia on scholarships provided by Zoomlion and its affiliates, specializing in waste-to-energy, environmental engineering, and climate-resilient sanitation.
Since 2006, Zoomlion has been at the forefront of waste management in Ghana, working closely with Environmental Health Officers from the MMDAs. Who, then, are the more qualified personnel?
3. YEA Sweepers Are a Fraction of the Workforce
Youth Employment Agency (YEA) sweepers constitute only a small portion of Zoomlion’s workforce. The company directly employs over 7,200 individuals at its waste recycling plants alone. The broader Jospong Group, which includes Zoomlion, employs more than 1,000,000 people across Ghana and other countries.
These jobs are formalized, monitored, and contribute significantly to environmental, social, and economic development. If Manasseh is campaigning for Zoomlion’s downfall, he should consider the livelihoods at stake. Clearly, he serves personal interests and the agendas of his sponsors—not the Ghanaian youth.
4. Ignoring Documented Transformation
Manasseh conveniently overlooks Zoomlion’s transformative contributions to Ghana’s sanitation sector, such as:
- The establishment of 16 IRECOPs across all regions
- Wastewater treatment plants and 36 other environmental facilities, including ACARP and KCARP
- Medical waste treatment plants nationwide
- A massive employment initiative that has absorbed thousands of youth
- Programs like the National Material Recovery and recycling initiatives supporting the circular economy
Any balanced journalist would visit these facilities or request audited reports. Manasseh has done neither. This is not journalism—it is vendetta disguised as advocacy.
5. Misleading Ghost Worker Claims
Accusations of ghost workers are outdated and have been addressed by relevant authorities. Zoomlion’s payroll systems have transitioned to biometric and digitized formats. While anomalies may have existed in the past, they have been systematically resolved. Using old issues to discredit the present system is both misleading and intellectually dishonest.
6. The Real Agenda
Manasseh has made a career out of targeting institutions, particularly Zoomlion and its Executive Chairman. But who benefits from discrediting a company that has built Ghana’s sanitation infrastructure over two decades? Who gains when thousands of jobs are put at risk by manipulative narratives?
Is this journalism or sabotage?
7. Zoomlion’s Broader National Impact
Beyond sanitation, the Jospong Group contributes significantly to Ghana’s economy—in sectors such as insurance, ICT, health, and hospitality. The group’s unparalleled footprint in job creation and national development deserves acknowledgment, yet Manasseh consistently ignores this.
This is not oversight—it is deliberate bias.
8. A Call to Stakeholders
As an environmental advocate, I call on government officials, the media, civil society, and the public to reject Manasseh’s one-sided accusations. Ghana’s sanitation success story must not be derailed by a personal crusade against a visionary institution and its leadership.
Constructive criticism is essential, but libelous propaganda must be exposed and condemned.
Conclusion
Ghana deserves honest journalism, balanced reporting, and unwavering support for home-grown solutions. Zoomlion Ghana Limited and its partners must remain focused on innovation, employment, and delivery—regardless of the noise.
If Manasseh’s call to action sways the government into compliance, it would reflect not only poor judgment but also a government that allows itself to be misled by personal vendettas.
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