By On April 25, 2025, a significant statement emerged from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Caucus, led by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga, addressing a contentious issue that has gripped Ghana’s political and sanitation sectors: the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) sanitation contract with Zoomlion Ghana Limited.
The statement, shared via a post on X by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, clarified the NDC’s stance on the matter, dispelled rumors of interference, and underscored the autonomy of local governance in deciding sanitation priorities.
This development comes amidst a heated debate over Zoomlion’s role in Ghana’s sanitation management, allegations of underperformance, and the broader push for decentralization under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration. Let’s unpack this complex issue and explore its implications for Ghana’s governance, economy, and environmental sustainability.
The NDC’s Official Position: No Interference in the Zoomlion Contract
In the press release dated April 25, 2025, Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament, firmly stated that the NDC Parliamentary Caucus has not authorized the Sanitation Committee of Parliament to meddle in the YEA’s decisions regarding its sanitation module contract with Zoomlion.
This clarification was necessary due to conflicting media reports suggesting that the Sanitation Committee had taken a position on the contract, with some members allegedly defending Zoomlion’s role.
Ayariga emphasized that any comments made by individual members of the Sanitation Committee in support of Zoomlion do not reflect the official stance of the committee or Parliament as a whole. He urged the YEA and the public to disregard such statements, reinforcing that the NDC Caucus would not interfere in the YEA’s contractual decisions.
This move appears to be an effort to maintain neutrality and uphold the independence of the YEA, a government agency tasked with creating employment opportunities for Ghanaian youth, including through sanitation programs like the one managed by Zoomlion.
The Zoomlion Contract Controversy: A Tale of Jobs vs. Accountability
Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies, has been a major player in Ghana’s sanitation and waste management sector for years. The company’s sanitation module under the YEA employs thousands of Ghanaians, providing critical jobs in a country where unemployment remains a pressing challenge. However, Zoomlion has also faced scrutiny for its operations, particularly regarding worker exploitation and failure to meet contractual obligations.
On April 15, 2025, an unnamed MP called for an overhaul of the YEA-Zoomlion contract, citing the company’s alleged underperformance in delivering sanitation services. This call was amplified by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, who has been a vocal critic of Zoomlion.
In an open letter to YEA CEO Malik Basintalle, Manasseh urged the agency not to renew Zoomlion’s contract, describing the arrangement as exploitative and claiming that “the cleaners’ deal stinks to the heavens.” His allegations pointed to poor working conditions, delayed payments to workers, and a lack of adherence to the terms of the contract.
However, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources, chaired by John Oti Bless, pushed back against these calls on the same day as Ayariga’s statement. Oti Bless warned that terminating Zoomlion’s contract could lead to massive job losses, affecting thousands of Ghanaians who depend on the company for their livelihoods.
He argued that while there might be issues with the contract, the solution lies in addressing those problems rather than scrapping the agreement altogether. “If there are issues with the contract, that’s why we are leaders; we have to address them,” Oti Bless stated, highlighting the committee’s plan to invite Manasseh Azure Awuni to share his concerns and work toward a resolution.
The committee’s position reflects a broader tension in Ghana’s governance: the balance between accountability and economic stability. Zoomlion’s role in job creation is undeniable, but so are the concerns about its performance and treatment of workers.
The NDC’s decision to distance itself from interference in the contract suggests a cautious approach, likely aimed at avoiding political backlash while allowing the YEA and other stakeholders to navigate the issue independently.
Decentralization and Local Autonomy: President Mahama’s Vision in Action
A key element of Ayariga’s statement is the reaffirmation of local governance autonomy, a cornerstone of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration. In the last session of Parliament, the House implemented Mahama’s directive that 80% of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) be delivered directly to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
This policy, first announced by Mahama on March 26, 2025, aims to empower local authorities to manage their development priorities without undue influence from central government or external actors.
Ayariga’s press release explicitly warns MMDAs against being intimidated into entering sanitation contracts with any particular company, including Zoomlion. This directive aligns with Mahama’s broader vision of decentralization, which seeks to enhance local economies, improve infrastructure, and deliver essential services like sanitation, healthcare, and education at the grassroots level.
By ensuring that 80% of the DACF reaches districts directly, the government aims to reduce administrative delays and give assemblies the financial muscle to address their unique challenges.
This policy is a significant step toward strengthening Ghana’s decentralized governance structure. As Mahama emphasized in his March announcement, empowering district assemblies with financial resources is key to driving development at the local level.
The appointment of Michael Harry Yamson as the new DACF Administrator further signals the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in fund management, with a focus on monitoring and evaluation to curb mismanagement.
The Bigger Picture: Sanitation, Sustainability, and Economic Growth
The Zoomlion controversy and the NDC’s response highlight broader challenges in Ghana’s sanitation and waste management sector. Effective sanitation is critical to public health, environmental sustainability, and economic growth, yet the country continues to grapple with systemic issues like delayed payments to workers, inadequate funding, and inconsistent service delivery. Zoomlion, as a major player, has been at the center of these debates, with critics arguing that its dominance in the sector stifles competition and innovation.
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation has proposed the creation of a dedicated fund to support sustainable sanitation efforts, a proactive measure that could address some of these systemic challenges. Additionally, the NDC government has committed to clearing arrears owed to YEA workers and the Jospong Group, a move that could improve service delivery and worker welfare.
However, the tension between job preservation and the need for accountability remains unresolved, and the outcome of the Zoomlion contract debate will likely set a precedent for how Ghana balances these competing priorities.
What’s Next for Ghana’s Sanitation Sector?
The NDC’s decision to stay out of the YEA-Zoomlion contract debate is a strategic one, reflecting a commitment to institutional independence and local autonomy. However, it also places the onus on the YEA, MMDAs, and other stakeholders to navigate the complex issues surrounding Zoomlion’s role in sanitation management.
The Parliamentary Sanitation Committee’s plan to engage Manasseh Azure Awuni in dialogue is a promising step toward transparency and collaboration, but it remains to be seen whether this will lead to meaningful reforms.
For Ghanaians, the stakes are high. The Zoomlion contract affects thousands of jobs, the quality of sanitation services, and the broader push for sustainable development. As President Mahama’s administration continues to prioritize decentralization, the success of policies like the DACF allocation will depend on the ability of local assemblies to make informed, independent decisions that prioritize the public good over political or corporate interests.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the YEA and the Sanitation Committee as they work to address the concerns raised by Manasseh Azure Awuni and other critics. The outcome of this debate could reshape Ghana’s sanitation sector, influence public trust in governance, and determine the future of thousands of workers employed by Zoomlion. For now, the NDC’s message is clear: local assemblies must take the lead, and the central government will not stand in their way.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Should Zoomlion’s contract be renewed, or is it time for a new approach to sanitation management in Ghana? Share your views in the comments below!
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