President John Mahama has responded to investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni’s petition to discontinue the controversial YEA-Zoomlion contract, assuring him that the matter is receiving the necessary attention. This comes after Manasseh formally petitioned the President two weeks ago, calling for an end to the 19-year-old contract between the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited.
The contract in question, which expired in September 2024, allocated GH¢850 to each sweeper, with Zoomlion taking GH¢600 and paying the sweepers GH¢250 a month. Additionally, Zoomlion imposed interest charges on the YEA for any delayed payments, amounting to GH¢90 million in 2024. The latest proposal from Zoomlion seeks to increase the allocation per sweeper to GH¢1,308, with Zoomlion retaining GH¢888 and paying the sweepers GH¢420 a month.
However, concerns have been raised over the lack of verifiable data regarding the 45,000 sweepers presented by Zoomlion for payment each month. The YEA’s headcount revealed only 38,884 sweepers on the ground, casting doubt on Zoomlion’s figures. YEA CEO, Justin Kodua Frimpong, accused Zoomlion of failing to submit payroll for verification, raising questions about the accuracy of the company’s claims.
Manasseh Awuni has been a vocal critic of the contract, alleging corruption and inefficiency. He proposes that the contract be terminated to allow the assemblies and the YEA to directly supervise the sweepers, who could be paid from the assemblies’ share of the District Assemblies Common Fund. By eliminating Zoomlion as the middleman, the sweepers could receive better wages and be more motivated to fulfill their duties.
It is worth noting that past CEOs of the YEA have also expressed reservations about the contract with Zoomlion. Kofi Baah Agyepong, the immediate past CEO, recommended its cancellation, arguing that the YEA could manage the sweepers’ module without a third-party company. Manasseh’s petition to the President emphasizes the need for direct control of the sweepers by the assemblies, potentially leading to improved efficiency and transparency.
While the termination of the Zoomlion contract could pose sanitation challenges due to the company’s role in waste collection and disposal, Manasseh suggests that the assemblies could continue the Sanitation Improvement Package (SIP) contract with Zoomlion to mitigate any disruptions. He remains optimistic that President Mahama will take decisive action based on the evidence presented in his petition, citing past actions taken in response to similar issues in 2013.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the YEA-Zoomlion contract underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and value for money in government contracts. The outcome of President Mahama’s review of the petition will be eagerly awaited by stakeholders and the public alike.
