In a significant development, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the 19-year contract between the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited will not be renewed. This decision comes after allegations of corruption and mismanagement under the contract, which has been in existence since 2006.
According to President Mahama, the government will increase the fees paid to sweepers, arising from the “probable cost savings” from discontinuing the Zoomlion contract. Under the previous contract, Zoomlion retained GHS 600 out of the GHS 850 allocated per sweeper, paying the sweepers only GHS 250 monthly. The company had proposed increasing the allocation to GHS 1,308, with Zoomlion keeping GHS 888 and paying sweepers GHS 420.
The president’s decision follows an investigative report by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, which exposed Zoomlion’s alleged exploitation of its workers. The report revealed that Zoomlion charged an interest of GHS 90 million in 2024 for delayed payments by YEA.
Key Highlights of the Terminated Contract:
– Contract Duration: 19 years
– Previous Allocation: GHS 850 per sweeper, with Zoomlion retaining GHS 600 and paying sweepers GHS 250
– Proposed Allocation: GHS 1,308 per sweeper, with Zoomlion retaining GHS 888 and paying sweepers GHS 420
– Interest Charged: GHS 90 million in 2024 for delayed payments
The president’s decision is expected to bring relief to the sweepers, who will now receive increased fees. The government has also promised to ensure transparency and accountability in future sanitation contracts. Alexander Afriyie. #Ghanatalk.com #Ghanacrimereport.com