Waste management giant Zoomlion Ghana Limited has responded to growing public interest and media commentary regarding its long-standing contract with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), reaffirming its commitment to sanitation, job creation, and national development despite facing over a year of delayed payments from government.
In a press statement, Zoomlion clarified the terms of its engagement under the Youth in Sanitation Module, which began in 2006 with the then Ministry of Youth and Sports under the National Youth Employment Programme (now YEA). Under this agreement, Zoomlion supervises and manages youth beneficiaries recruited by the YEA for public cleaning services across the country.
The company explained that each beneficiary is paid GHS 850, out of which GHS 258 is allocated as allowance to the beneficiary and GHS 592 covers management services including logistics, PPE, training, and administrative costs. The contract also requires Zoomlion to pre-finance beneficiary payments pending quarterly government reimbursements.
However, consistent delays in these payments have significantly strained the company’s operations.
“Despite not receiving payment for over a year, Zoomlion continues to operate across the country in fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement noted.
The company has since called for interest payments on delayed reimbursements, citing loss of value due to the wait.
Zoomlion emphasized its broader impact, highlighting the creation of over 200,000 jobs along the waste management value chain, the development of 36 waste treatment facilities, and its continued push for higher allowances for beneficiaries.
The company further reaffirmed its transparency by stating that it submits quarterly and annual reports to the YEA as required.
While expressing gratitude to Ghanaians and government stakeholders, Zoomlion acknowledged the support of President John Dramani Mahama, and called for continued collaboration to achieve the vision of a clean, green, and healthy Ghana.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com