Parliament’s Sanitation Committee rejects call to scrap YEA-Zoomlion contract; cites job losses

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation opposes calls to end the Youth Employment Authority's (YEA) contract with Zoomlion Ghana Limited. Zoomlion is a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies.

This decision follows comments from investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni. He urged YEA to terminate its agreement with Zoomlion. He accused the company of exploiting workers and breaching contract terms.

John Kwabena Bless Oti, the Committee Chairman, disagreed with Azure’s view. Oti is also the Member of Parliament for Nkwanta North. During a visit to the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant, he stated that they are open to hearing from Azure directly.

Oti said, “We want to invite Manasseh Azure to appear before the committee.” He added that thousands of Ghanaians could lose their jobs if the contract ends.

He emphasized that any decision about the contract would consider all viewpoints. Cancelling it could lead to widespread unemployment since Zoomlion employs many people.

Oti suggested creating a fund for long-term sanitation and waste management initiatives in Ghana. He also mentioned that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government aims to settle outstanding payments owed to YEA workers and Jospong Group.

He stated, “Any amount owed to Zoomlion will be paid.” The budget includes about GH¢13 billion for clearing arrears involving Zoomlion. Oti expressed his disagreement with Azure’s stance.

He noted that Jospong is a Ghanaian company and issues should be addressed through leadership. Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo, Ranking Member of the Committee and MP for Achiase, supported Oti's views.

Marfo affirmed their commitment to establishing a sanitation fund and ensuring transparency in its management. The Committee praised Jospong Group for its contributions to employment generation and waste management in Ghana.