The Nation Builders’ Corp (NaBCo), introduced by the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration, employed slightly over 80,000 individuals, despite being announced as a programme to directly employ 100,000 youth.
What became of the programme is not news to Ghanaians, but that’s not the focus of this piece. Rather, it’s about the fanfare that surrounded the government’s claim of creating 100,000 jobs at a go.
For years, and even months leading up to it, the government’s machinery, despite having control over state resources, touted the initiative as unprecedented and deserving of praise. Indeed, the government had reason to celebrate, as creating such a large number of jobs is a significant achievement, especially for a lower-middle-income economy like Ghana.
If a government demands accolades for creating 100,000 jobs, what praise is due a private entity that has achieved twice that feat? Zoomlion Ghana Limited, the leading waste management company in Ghana and beyond, has created 200,000 jobs since it was founded in 2006. From humble beginnings with a few tricycles, Zoomlion has grown into a national system, driven by local partnerships, innovation, and determination. The company has deployed thousands of waste bins, refuse trucks, and street sweepers, while training a new generation of sanitation workers.
Zoomlion, has also, through public education campaigns, helped shift behaviors and fostered a culture of accountability. Today, the Jospong Group of Companies, with Zoomlion as its flagship organization, provides employment to this teeming number of Ghanaians across the sanitation value-chain.
Beyond supporting the livelihoods of many, the company has made significant contributions to addressing Ghana’s environmental concerns and promoting sustainable practices that mitigate the consequences of poor environmental conditions, ultimately improving the health and well-being of citizens.
Since 2006, Jospong has created substantial economic opportunities for Ghanaians from diverse backgrounds, generating over 200,000 direct and indirect jobs through its operations. Notably, Jospong’s Zoomlion Youth Sanitation Programme has employed 45,000 youth, making a significant impact on tackling youth unemployment. The initiative empowers young Ghanaians to contribute to the sanitation sector through various components, including:
- Small-scale waste collectors: The Company equips those under this unit with resources and support to run viable businesses.
- Plastic sorters: Here, Zoomlion creates a value chain for plastic waste where it promotes recycling, and reduces pollution.
- Compost operators: Training individuals in compost plants, producing valuable organic fertilizer to support the country’s agricultural base and export.
- Women-led cooperatives: Fostering women’s economic empowerment through waste management and recycling initiatives.
These efforts demonstrate Zoomlion’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement, contributing to a cleaner Ghana. Without Zoomlion, these thousands of individuals would have swelled the ranks of the unemployed, with all the attendant consequences. This has immensely contributed to Ghana’s development, talking of the taxes paid to the government from these jobs aside from the economic relief it has brought to the people.
I would like to also highlight some of the benefits Ghana has derived from Zoomlion, which can be seen as the by-products or latent functions of the company. In terms of health, we all know that poor sanitation, waste management, and environmental conditions are known to contribute to the spread of diseases, respiratory issues, and other health concerns.
However, since Zoomlion’s inception, the incidence of these issues has decreased significantly. Environmentally-related diseases like cholera have been largely eradicated, until the recent cases that were reported from the Central and Western regions.
Many people are unaware that living in a dirty, polluted environment can affect one’s mental health which comes through stress, anxiety, and other concerns. Poor environmental conditions can negatively impact overall well-being, making it challenging to maintain a healthy lifestyle, with additional economic consequences.
Poor health outcomes and reduced productivity can lead to increased healthcare costs and economic burdens. Nonetheless, Zoomlion’s presence has mitigated these issues to some extent, although critics may not acknowledge these benefits.
Let alone, as part of its efforts towards maintaining a cleaner environment in Ghana, Zoomlion has made significant contributions in prioritizing sustainability and believing that every day presents an opportunity to contribute to a greener future. Through its Integrated Waste Management approach, the company considers the interests of all stakeholders, promoting community inclusivity.
Its Environmental Sanitation Services have provided janitorial and sanitation services for high-profile events like the 2008 African Cup of Nations, the 2023 African Games, independence parade programmes, and presidential inaugurations, showcasing its capabilities in large-scale environmental cleanliness.
Additionally, the waste management giant engages local communities through various initiatives, promoting sanitation awareness and encouraging sustainable practices to create a cleaner and healthier environment.
Additionally, Zoomlion has expanded its operations beyond Ghana, leveraging its success to secure contracts in other parts of Africa. Notably, in Nigeria, Zoomlion Nigeria Limited signed an agreement with German-based FIMA Industries GmbH and Faun Umwelttechnik GmbH. This partnership promotes sustainable waste management practices and aims to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 1.5 million tons annually.
Again, Zoomlion operates in countries such as Angola, Zambia, and Togo, employing modern engineering techniques to minimize environmental impact and manage waste efficiently.
Additionally, the company has a presence in Equatorial Guinea. These international ventures showcase Zoomlion’s expertise and reputation in providing effective waste management solutions beyond Ghana’s borders.
Unfortunately, in Ghana, Zoomlion’s impact is often overlooked, and many view the company as simply employing people to sweep the streets. However, Jospong Group, with Zoomlion as its mother company, has set the standard for waste management in Ghana and beyond.
With its expansion to other parts of Africa, Zoomlion demonstrates its potential to become a leading waste management giant on the continent, creating employment opportunities for the jobless, with Ghana benefiting significantly.
By Clinton Amegatse
