Accra, Ghana – May 1, 2025 – Zoomlion Ghana Limited has issued a detailed press statement addressing widespread public discussions and media reports concerning its longstanding contract with the Youth Employment Authority (YEA). The company provided key clarifications on its role in the Youth in Sanitation Module and reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection, job creation, and youth empowerment across Ghana.
The statement, released on April 30, 2025, responds to growing concerns raised in both mainstream and social media about the structure of the partnership between Zoomlion and the YEA. The company, which operates under the Jospong Group of Companies, explained that it entered into an agreement with the government in 2006 to manage the sanitation component of the then National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), now the Youth Employment Authority.
Background of the Zoomlion-YEA Contract
According to Zoomlion, the Youth in Sanitation Module was introduced to empower young Ghanaians to engage in community cleaning and sanitation efforts across the country. The arrangement was structured so that the government, through the YEA and in collaboration with local assemblies, recruits the beneficiaries, while Zoomlion oversees their training, supervision, and logistical support.
“The contract provides for a total of GHS 850 per beneficiary,” the company revealed, “of which GHS 258 is paid as allowance to the beneficiary and GHS 592 allocated as management fees.” This management fee, Zoomlion explained, is used to cover costs such as logistics, personal protective equipment (PPE), tools, and administrative oversight necessary to execute the programme effectively.
Clarification on Payments and Delays
Zoomlion also addressed public concerns about financial management within the programme. It emphasized that under the terms of the contract, the company is obligated to pre-finance beneficiary payments, expecting quarterly reimbursements from the government by the following month after each quarter. However, the company said it has experienced undue delays in reimbursements for several months.
“These delays have prompted calls for interest payments to cushion the company from the financial losses and erosion of value due to inflation,” the statement read.
Zoomlion further stated that it has continued to submit quarterly and annual reports to the YEA since 2008 to maintain transparency and accountability.
Impact and Nationwide Reach
The company highlighted the scope and scale of its operations, detailing that it manages youth sanitation workers in all regions of Ghana. In addition to supervision, Zoomlion provides sanitation tools, transportation, training, and performance monitoring.
Beyond the Youth in Sanitation Module, the company touted its investment in waste management infrastructure and job creation. It reported the establishment of 36 waste treatment facilities, including 18 Material Recovery and Waste Treatment Plants, all aimed at boosting sustainable sanitation.
Furthermore, the company said it has created over 6,000 direct jobs, 30,000 tricycle rider positions, and more than 200,000 jobs along the sanitation value chain. “Our operations have empowered thousands of Ghanaian youth through skills development, innovation, and public-private partnerships,” Zoomlion stated.
Working Without Pay for Over a Year
Despite facing more than a year of unpaid reimbursements from the government, Zoomlion said it has not halted its services. “Zoomlion has continued to work without payment, driven by its unwavering commitment to environmental sanitation and the public good,” the company affirmed.
Zoomlion reiterated its commitment to advocating for better conditions for sanitation workers and said it welcomed any government-led efforts to improve the efficiency, transparency, and impact of public sanitation programmes.
Acknowledgement to President Mahama and the Public
In the statement, Zoomlion extended gratitude to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama for his leadership and dedication to environmental sanitation issues in Ghana. The company also thanked the Ghanaian public for its continued support and trust.
“We assure all Ghanaians of our ongoing commitment to partnering with the government and relevant stakeholders to deliver on our shared mandate of keeping communities clean, green, and healthy,” the company said.
Full Press Release from Zoomlion Ghana Limited
Below is the full statement as issued by Zoomlion:
PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS STATEMENT BY ZOOMLION GHANA LIMITED ON ITS CONTRACT WITH THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT AUTHORITY
Accra, April 30, 2025 – The attention of the management of Zoomlion Ghana Limited has been drawn to media publications and discussions on various social media platforms about its contract with the Youth Employment Authority (YEA).
Background
Zoomlion Ghana Limited in 2006, signed contracts with the then Ministry of Youth and Sports through the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP) now Youth Employment Authority (YEA), under the Youth in Sanitation Module. This module involved managing the youth [Beneficiaries] across the nation for public cleaning works. Per the Module, the Government through the YEA and in collaboration with District Assemblies, engage the Beneficiaries of the programme, while Zoomlion manages the Beneficiaries and supervises their cleaning activity.
Key Provisions and Clarifications
• YEA is responsible for recruiting beneficiaries, while Zoomlion manages and supervises their activities.
• The contract provides for a total sum of GHS 850 per beneficiary, with GHS 258 allocated as allowance and GHS 592 as management fee, covering logistics, PPE and administrative management services.
• Zoomlion has consistently advocated for increment in beneficiary allowances and remains committed to doing so.
• Under the contract, Zoomlion is required to pre-finance payments to the Beneficiaries, for quarterly reimbursement from the government by the next month after the quarter. Undue delays in payments to Zoomlion for several months have necessitated the call for interest payment, to cushion the company’s loss of value occasioned by the long delays. Zoomlion has submitted and continues to submit quarterly and annual reports to the YEA since 2008.
Operational Scope
The scope of the contract involves managing beneficiaries engaged by YEA across the country to undertake public cleansing activities. Zoomlion provides training, deployment, supervision, and monitoring of beneficiaries, as well as supplying sanitary tools and equipment.
Impact of Zoomlion Operations
• Establishment of 36 waste treatment facilities, including 18 Material Recovery and Waste Treatment Plants.
• Creation of over 6,000 core jobs, 30,000 jobs for tricycle riders, and 200,000 employment opportunities along the value chain.
• Youth empowerment and skills development through innovations and partnerships.
Conclusion
Zoomlion has continued to work without payment for more than a year, driven by its commitment to the public good and environmental sanitation. The company welcomes exercises to strengthen efficiency and effectiveness and is committed to job creation, improving lives and livelihoods, and environmental protection.
We wish to thank His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, and his government for your dedication to the issues of environmental sanitation. We also wish to thank Ghanaians for your continuous support to the company, and assure you of our commitment to partnering with the government and others to deliver on our mandate of keeping our communities clean, green, and healthy.
Contact:
For further information or clarification, please contact:
info@jospongroup.com
