Parliament’s sanitation committee urges swift payment of GH₵1.3b debt owed to Zoomlion

The Parliamentary Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources has urged the government to pay Zoomlion Ghana Limited. The company is owed over GH₵1.3 billion.

This debt is crucial for the company's operations and waste management in the country. A delay in payment affects sanitation efforts and causes salary arrears for Zoomlion employees nationwide.

During a visit to the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant, the committee raised concerns about this growing debt. They warned it could impact services provided by Zoomlion.

Committee chairman John Oti Bless spoke to the press about the situation. He called on the government to expedite payments and support plant maintenance.

He emphasized that financial struggles are affecting facility upkeep and timely employee payments. “We have trust and confidence in the government,” Mr. Bless stated.

He noted that a recent budget allocates around GH₵13 billion to clear debts, including Zoomlion's. Approximately GH₵1.2 billion is set aside for payment to Zoomlion.

Mr. Bless expressed confidence in Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s commitment to resolving these debts. He hopes promises made during their last meeting will be fulfilled.

Before leaving Accra, Mr. Bless discussed unpaid wages with the Chief Executive of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA). The YEA CEO assured him that they would address this issue promptly.

“Jospong is a Ghanaian company,” Mr. Bless said, emphasizing their responsibility as leaders to resolve issues. The committee plans to invite Manasseh Azure Awuni for more information on this matter when Parliament resumes next month.

Mr. Bless warned that not renewing Zoomlion's contract could lead to job losses for thousands of Ghanaians. The committee stressed that resolving this debt issue quickly is vital for many livelihoods.

Eugene Ohene Asamoah, Business Development Manager at the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant, mentioned that they are ready for future challenges. The plant can process more waste as it expands its capacity, meeting growing waste management needs in Ghana.