Ex-YEA boss denies proposing GHS300 sweeper pay, accuses Zoomlion of twisting facts

Kofi Agyepong, the former CEO of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), has denied claims made by Zoomlion Ghana Limited. Zoomlion alleged that under his leadership, YEA proposed GHS300 as monthly allowances for sanitation workers.

In a response to Zoomlion’s April 30 press release, Agyepong stated no such proposal was made. He clarified that the only counter-offer sent to the YEA Board was GHS500 per month for sweepers. He described this amount as modest due to budget constraints.

Agyepong said, “The last and only counter-proposal submitted to the YEA Board under my leadership was GHS500 per month to sweepers.” He expressed a desire to offer more in recognition of the workers' hard work.

He accused Zoomlion of misrepresenting discussions from 2024. This included a proposal to increase overall allocations per beneficiary to GHS1,308. Under this plan, GHS888 would go to Zoomlion and GHS420 would be given to sweepers.

Agyepong rejected this proposal as excessive and unfair. He also criticized Zoomlion's claim that discussions were ongoing, stating no further negotiations occurred during his tenure.

He emphasized that any current discussions between YEA and Zoomlion are now the responsibility of new leadership.

Agyepong revealed his administration sought transparency reforms during contract renewals. These reforms included giving YEA direct control over payments and storing logistics in YEA-managed warehouses. Both proposals were rejected by Zoomlion.

“These were key reform-oriented proposals,” he said. The refusal led to the contract not being renewed while he was in charge.

He urged current YEA leaders to resist pressure from Zoomlion. They should prioritize transparency and worker welfare instead.

Agyepong called on the public to support efforts aimed at reforming the YEA-Zoomlion arrangement. He framed it as an issue of public accountability rather than partisan interest.