The Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation has kicked against 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 follows renowned investigative journalist, Manasseh Azure Awuni’s call 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.
But the Chairman of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Nkwanta North, John Kwabena Oti Bless, opposed the request.
Speaking during a working visit of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources to the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant in the Ashanti Region, Oti Bless pointed out that although he does not share the journalist’s view, the Committee would invite Manasseh Azure to present his concerns officially.
He observed that a decision would be made after all perspectives have been considered. He cautioned that ending the contract could lead to massive job losses, as Zoomlion employs thousands of Ghanaians.
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 will 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 reiterated their commitment to facilitating the establishment of a sanitation fund and ensuring accountability in its management.
The Committee members also lauded the Jospong Group of Companies for its pivotal role in job creation, waste management, recycling, and its overall contribution to improving sanitation in Ghana.
The Business Development Manager of the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant Limited, Eugene Amo Asamoah, touched on the capital-intensive nature of waste management and recycling.
He disclosed that although Ghana produces over one million tonnes of plastic waste annually, only about 2 to 5 percent is collected and recycled.
He further revealed that the government owes the company four years’ worth of arrears out of their five years of operation. He called for the immediate payment of outstanding debts and more investment in their operations to boost the country’s waste management capacity.
He underscored the need for increased financial support and timely payments are critical to improving sanitation and environmental sustainability in Ghana.
He reiterated their commitment to operate in a friendly manner for all.
Meanwhile, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, has made a firm declaration not to renew the existing contract with Zoomlion Ghana Limited if the current wage of GH¢250 for sanitation workers remains unchanged.
In a Facebook post on Friday, 25 April, Basintale criticised the current terms of engagement, describing them as exploitative and unjust to the Ghanaian youth.
His comments follow growing public pressure, particularly from investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, who has long campaigned against the contract’s renewal, citing poor treatment of workers and breach of contract terms.
Echoing similar sentiments, Basintale asserted that the present arrangement is a “rip-off” of poor Ghanaians and cannot be allowed to continue under the current administration.
“All my life, I have fought for integrity and for the better placement of the Youth and people of Ghana,” Basintale wrote.
“I promise on my honour as I stand by the grave of my late DAD, NOT to RENEW the contract in its CURRENT STATE or FORM. It is EVIL for the previous government to have committed to this, and I SHALL STOP IT,” he declared, vowing to ensure workers are paid satisfactorily under President Mahama’s leadership.
He further expressed personal concern over the plight of sanitation workers, stating, “If my mother, brother, or sister were a Zoomlion worker, I wouldn’t be happy with any of them taking GH¢250 as salary.”
Mr Basintale invited the public to join him live on Facebook at 8:00pm to share their thoughts and discuss the way forward regarding the contentious contract.
