The Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation has opposed calls for the Youth Employment Authority (YEA) not to renew its contract with Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies.
This comes after renowned investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni, called on the YEA to terminate the contract, accusing Zoomlion of exploiting its workers under the sanitation model and not sticking to the terms of the contract.
However, the Chairman of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Nkwanta North, John Kwabena Bless Oti, disagreed with this assertion.
Speaking during a working visit to the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant in the Ashanti Region on Thursday, April 24, Mr. Oti stated that although he does not share the journalist’s view, the Committee would invite Manasseh Azure to present his concerns formally.
He noted that a decision would be made after all perspectives have been considered.
He warned that ending the contract could lead to massive job losses, as Zoomlion employs thousands of Ghanaians.
As a proactive measure, he proposed the creation of a dedicated fund to support sustainable sanitation and waste management efforts across the country.
Mr. Oti also assured that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government is committed to paying arrears owed to YEA workers and the Jospong Group to enhance the effective delivery of their services.
“Any amount owed Zoomlion, we have trust that it wil be paid, the budget that was presented has about GH13 billion to clear arrears, which Zoomlion is a part of. I think I disagree with him [Manasseh Azure].
“Jospong is a Ghanaian; if there are issues, we have to address them; that is why we have leaders. We want to invite Manasseh Azure to appear before the committee, maybe when Parliament resumes, for him to share his information. Thousands of Ghanaians will lose their jobs if this contract is not renewed,” he said.
The Ranking Member of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Achiase, Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo, backed the Chairman’s remarks.
He reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to facilitating the establishment of a sanitation fund and ensuring accountability in its management.
The Committee also commended the Jospong Group of Companies for its pivotal role in job creation, waste management, recycling, and its overall contribution to improving sanitation in Ghana.
Meanwhile, the Business Development Manager of the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant Limited, Eugene Amo Asamoah, highlighted the capital-intensive nature of waste management and recycling.
He revealed that although Ghana produces over one million tonnes of plastic waste annually, only about 2 to 5 percent is collected and recycled.
Mr. Asamoah further disclosed that the government owes the company four years’ worth of arrears out of their five years of operation. He appealed for the immediate payment of outstanding debts and more investment in their operations to boost the country’s waste management capacity.
Mr. Asamoah emphasised that increased financial support and timely payments are critical to improving sanitation and environmental sustainability in Ghana.
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