Cancel Zoomlion contract entirely, don’t just review it – Manasseh to YEA CEO

Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has criticized the Youth Employment Agency (YEA). He opposes their plan to review the sanitation module contract with Zoomlion Ghana Limited. Instead, he insists that the contract should be completely scrapped.

In a letter to YEA CEO Malik Basintale, shared publicly on April 25, 2025, Manasseh called the contract “evil” and “unnecessary.” Under this contract, Zoomlion receives GH¢850 per sanitation worker but pays them only GH¢250.

Manasseh thanked Basintale for stating that the current contract would not be renewed. However, he emphasized that it should not be reviewed or renewed in any form. It must be discontinued entirely.

He believes district assemblies can manage sanitation workers directly. They do not need a third-party contractor based in Accra. For example, the Bongo District Assembly can supervise its sweepers without an external contract.

Manasseh pointed out that local governments like the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) already hire and supervise cleaners independently of Zoomlion. He noted that AMA petitioned YEA in 2022 for this reason.

He also referenced evidence of corruption related to the sanitation module. This includes findings from the GYEEDA Report of 2013 commissioned by President John Mahama. “Look at page 131 of the GYEEDA report… Zoomlion is involved in too many shady deals,” he stated.

While supporting Malik Basintale’s leadership at YEA, Manasseh urged him to prioritize national interest over existing arrangements. He concluded by wishing Basintale well in his efforts for the country.

The sanitation contract between YEA and Zoomlion faces increasing scrutiny lately. Critics have labeled it exploitative and opaque, calling for its termination.