Ghanaian investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has identified three prominent individuals allegedly involved in a $74 million waste bin procurement scandal. In a detailed exposé shared on his official Facebook page, Awuni pointed to former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, former Local Government Minister Collins Dauda, and business magnate Joseph Siaw Agyepong as central figures in the controversial deal.
The procurement arrangement, which dates back to 2016, involved the supply of one million household waste bins and 900,000 disposable liners. Awuni claims that Julius Debrah, as Chief of Staff at the time, issued a directive instructing the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to carry out the purchase. Although he notes there is no direct evidence linking Debrah to the pricing or procurement decisions, Awuni criticized the lack of scrutiny behind the recommendation.
“If Julius Debrah was unaware of the ministry’s earlier struggle to distribute even 100,000 bins, he should have sought a report before recommending a million more,” Awuni stated in his post.
Awuni further highlighted the role of Collins Dauda, who succeeded Debrah as Minister for Local Government and oversaw the awarding of the contract. Despite thousands of unused waste bins reportedly piling up across the country, the ministry proceeded to award a new contract valued at $74 million. The five companies selected for the job were all subsidiaries of the Jospong Group, chaired by Joseph Siaw Agyepong. According to Awuni, some of these firms had no capacity to manufacture plastic products, while leading plastic producers in Ghana were excluded.
The cost breakdown reportedly included $60 million for the bins and over $14 million for the liners—amounting to roughly $15.60 per liner. Awuni questioned why such a steep price went unchallenged by government officials.
Joseph Siaw Agyepong, as CEO of Zoomlion and head of the Jospong Group, was identified as the principal beneficiary of the contract. However, Awuni revealed that following his investigation, the contract was ultimately revoked. As of the time of cancellation, no waste bins had been delivered and no payments had been made.
The exposé has reignited public scrutiny over procurement practices and accountability in the public sector.
Source: Manasseh Azure Awuni – Facebook
