The management of waste management experts, Zoomlion Ghana Limited has clarified recent media reports and social media discussions regarding its long-standing contract with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), clarifying its role and obligations under the Youth in Sanitation Module.
The clarification 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, in a statement, the waste management company noted that it signed an agreement with the then Ministry of Youth and Sports under the National Youth Employment Programme, now the YEA.
The contract, according to the statement, tasked Zoomlion with managing and supervising beneficiaries engaged in public cleaning services, while recruitment is handled by the YEA in collaboration with District Assemblies.
Read statement below:
PRESS STATEMENT BY ZOOMLION GHANA LIMITED ON ITS CONTRACT WITH THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT AUTHORITY
Accra, April 30, 2025.The attention of the management of Zoomlion Ghana Limited has been drawn to media publications and discussions on various social media platforms about its contract with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA).
Background
Zoomlion Ghana Limited in 2006, signed contracts with the then Ministry of Youth and Sports through the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) now Youth Employment Authority (YEA), under the Youth in Sanitation Module. This module involved managing the youth [Beneficiaries] across the nation for public cleaning works. Per the Module, the Government through the YEA and in collaboration with District Assemblies, engage the Beneficiaries of the programme, while Zoomlion manages the Beneficiaries and supervise their cleaning activity.
Key Provisions and Clarifications
• YEA is responsible for recruiting beneficiaries, while Zoomlion manages and supervises their activities.
• The contract provides for a total sum of GHS 850 per beneficiary, with GHS 258 allocated as allowance and GHS 592 as management fee, covering logistics, PPE and administrative management services.
• Zoomlion has consistently advocated for increment in beneficiary allowances and remains committed to doing so.
• Under the contract, Zoomlion is required to pre-finance payments to the Beneficiaries, for quarterly reimbursement from the government by the next month after the quarter. Undue delays in payments to Zoomlion for several months have necessitated the call for interest payment, to cushion the company’s loss of value occasioned by the long delays. Zoomlion has submitted and continues to submit quarterly and annual reports to the YEA since 2008.
Operational Scope
The scope of the contract involves managing beneficiaries engaged by YEA across the country to undertake public cleansing activities. Zoomlion provides training, deployment, supervision, and monitoring of beneficiaries, as well as supplying sanitary tools and equipment.
Impact of Zoomlion Operations
• Establishment of 36 waste treatment facilities, including 18 Material Recovery and Waste Treatment Plants.
• Creation of over 6,000 core jobs, 30,000 jobs for tricycle riders, and 200,000 employment opportunities along the value chain.
• Youth empowerment and skills development through innovations and partnerships.
Conclusion
Zoomlion has continues to work without payment for more than a year, driven by its commitment to the public good and environmental sanitation. The company welcomes exercises to strengthen efficiency and effectiveness and is committed to job creation, improving lives and livelihoods, and environmental protection.
We wish to thank His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, and his government for your dedication to the issues of environmental sanitation. We also wish to thank Ghanaians for your continuous support to the company, and assure you of our commitment to partnering with the government and others to deliver on our mandate of keeping our communities clean, green, and healthy.
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