Zoomlion had no contract under my watch – Former YEA CEO breaks silence

Kofi Agyepong, the former CEO of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), has made a clarification. He stated that Zoomlion Ghana Limited had no active contract with YEA when he left office in January 2025.

Agyepong's statement is titled “Setting the Records Straight – YEA Sanitation Module.” It responds to current YEA CEO Malik Basintale’s comments about the sanitation contract. Basintale described the contract with Zoomlion as exploitative and unjustifiable.

Agyepong explained that when he departed on January 25, 2025, YEA had not renewed its contract with Zoomlion. He believed the sanitation module required a complete overhaul.

He said, “Like you, I have always maintained that the sanitation module needed a complete overhaul.” He emphasized this was necessary for better welfare for beneficiaries. He noted that some functions overlapped with local assemblies.

Agyepong supported his position with board meeting minutes and official documents. He insisted his decision was based on principle, not politics. “We can’t be doing something that the assemblies are already doing,” he added.

He praised Basintale’s bold stance and called for national dialogue on reforming the sanitation model. Agyepong stressed, “What we need now is not blame, but bold action.”

His comments come amid scrutiny of the YEA-Zoomlion arrangement. Critics argue it shortchanges sanitation workers while benefiting contractors like Zoomlion.

This statement shows continuity across two administrations. It adds weight to calls for restructuring or canceling the controversial sanitation contract.