The Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation has firmly opposed calls for the Youth Employment Authority to terminate its contract with Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a major waste management company under the Jospong Group of Companies. This development follows allegations raised by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, who accused the company of breaching its contractual obligations and mistreating workers under the sanitation model.
The Chairman of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Nkwanta North, John Kwabena Bless Oti, responded to the claims during a visit to the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant. While acknowledging the journalist’s concerns, he disagreed with the call for an immediate cancellation of the contract. He emphasised the need for a formal hearing and fair dialogue, noting that Manasseh Azure would be invited to present his evidence before Parliament when it reconvenes.
Mr Oti stressed the economic and social implications of ending Zoomlion’s contract, highlighting the potential loss of thousands of jobs if the contract is discontinued. He pointed out that the company employs a large workforce across the country, playing a significant role in Ghana’s sanitation and waste management efforts. To bolster these efforts, he recommended the establishment of a special sanitation fund dedicated to supporting long-term waste solutions.
Assuring the public of the government's commitment to sanitation workers, Mr Oti revealed that the current government is actively working to settle outstanding arrears owed to both YEA workers and the Jospong Group. He disclosed that the national budget includes an allocation of approximately GH¢13 billion to clear these debts, with Zoomlion expected to benefit from this financial relief. This step, he said, would enhance service delivery and motivate sanitation workers across the nation.
Backing the Chairman’s stance, Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo, Ranking Member of the Committee and MP for Achiase, echoed the importance of retaining Zoomlion's services. He assured the public of the Committee's determination to ensure the effective management of the proposed sanitation fund while promoting accountability within the sector.
The Committee also applauded the Jospong Group of Companies for its significant contributions to national development through job creation, waste recycling, and improved sanitation. The commendation reflects growing recognition of the company's role in driving environmental sustainability and public health.
On the operational front, Eugene Amo Asamoah, Business Development Manager of the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant, offered a glimpse into the challenges facing the waste management industry. He noted that while Ghana generates over one million tonnes of plastic waste annually, only a small fraction is collected and recycled. He called for increased investment in recycling infrastructure and timely payments of government arrears. Mr Asamoah revealed that the company is owed four years of unpaid service fees out of five years of operation, a situation that threatens the viability of their operations.
He appealed to the government to support the sector financially, underlining the importance of regular funding in improving sanitation and preserving the environment for future generations.
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