In a landmark decision, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government will not renew the 19-year-old contract between the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited. This development comes after investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni petitioned the President, highlighting corruption and mismanagement under the contract.
According to the President’s response, dated June 11, 2025, the government aims to increase the fees paid to sweepers, leveraging “probable cost savings” from discontinuing the Zoomlion contract. The President’s letter, signed by Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, addresses key concerns raised by Manasseh, including:
– *Contract Expiration*: The YEA-Zoomlion contract has expired and will not be renewed.
– *Audit of Payments*: All payments made to Zoomlion after the contract’s expiration will be thoroughly audited, with unauthorized payments recovered.
– *Competitive Procurement*: Future sanitation contracts will undergo competitive procurement processes, shifting from national contracts to regional or district-based tenders.
– *Sweeper Fees*: Sweeper fees will be increased to a more livable income, utilizing cost savings from the discontinued contract.
– *Fumigation Contracts*: Unsatisfactory fumigation contracts will be reviewed and terminated if necessary.
Manasseh Azure Awuni, who exposed corruption in the Zoomlion contract in 2013, has spent 12 years advocating for its discontinuation. He proposed that the assemblies and YEA supervise sweepers directly, allowing for better wages and motivation. President Mahama’s response has been hailed as a significant victory, with Manasseh describing it as one of the best pieces of news in his journalism career.
The contract’s terms previously allocated GHS850 per sweeper, with Zoomlion keeping GHS600 and paying sweepers GHS250 monthly. The company also charged GHS90 million in interest for delayed payments in 2024. With this development, Ghanaian sweepers may finally receive fair compensation for their work.
Story By: Kwame Lawerh
