President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will not renew the 19-year contract between the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited.
This decision follows a petition from investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, who raised concerns about corruption and mismanagement under the longstanding sanitation contract.
In a letter dated June 11, 2025, the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, confirmed the termination and outlined several government actions in response:
- Non-Renewal of Contract: The contract between YEA and Zoomlion has expired and will not be renewed.
- Audit of Payments: All payments made to Zoomlion after the contract’s expiration will be audited. No further payments will be authorized without verification, and any unauthorized disbursements will be recovered.
- Competitive Procurement for Sanitation Contracts: Future sanitation contracts will undergo competitive procurement. Instead of a single national contract, regional or district-based tenders will be introduced to encourage competitive pricing and innovation in service delivery. A Cabinet subcommittee will develop the modalities for this new approach.
- Improved Sweeper Wages: With anticipated cost savings from discontinuing the Zoomlion contract, the government intends to increase the wages of sanitation workers, addressing long-standing concerns about the low pay they receive.
- Review of Fumigation Contracts: Fumigation contracts deemed unsatisfactory will be reviewed and, if necessary, terminated in accordance with their terms and upon the advice of the Attorney-General.
These measures mark a significant shift in the government’s approach to public sanitation, with a focus on accountability, value for money, and fair compensation for frontline workers.
