President John Dramani Mahama has confirmed that the government will not renew the long-standing Zoomlion Ghana Limited contract with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA).
This move comes after a formal petition by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, who highlighted alleged corruption and inefficiencies in the deal.
In a letter dated June 11, 2025, signed by Dr. Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, the government stated the Zoomlion-YEA contract has expired and “will not be renewed.” The president also directed that sweeper wages be increased, citing potential cost savings from cutting out the middleman.
Background & Issues Raised
Since 2006, Zoomlion has managed the sanitation module under the YEA, receiving GHS850 per sweeper but paying each just GHS250—keeping GHS600. A recent proposal from the company sought to increase this amount to GHS1,308 per sweeper, with Zoomlion taking GHS888, a move that further raised public concern.
YEA audits have revealed discrepancies, including inflated worker numbers and lack of verifiable payroll data. In 2018, YEA flagged inconsistencies after their headcount showed 38,884 sweepers, not Zoomlion’s claimed 45,000. The company failed to submit its payroll for verification.
Despite growing evidence of inefficiency and overcharging, Zoomlion continued billing the state—at one point charging GHS90 million in interest for delayed payments.
Government’s New Direction
The President’s response included five key actions:
- Non-Renewal of the Contract – The expired contract is terminated.
- Audit of Payments – All post-contract payments to Zoomlion will be audited, and irregular payments recovered.
- Competitive Procurement – Future sanitation contracts will go through district or regional-level competitive bidding.
- Increased Sweeper Pay – Sweepers will receive higher wages, directly managed by YEA and local assemblies.
- Fumigation Contracts Review – Underperforming sanitation contracts will be reviewed and possibly terminated.
President Mahama’s directive marks a major shift in public sanitation policy, aiming to empower local authorities, cut costs, and increase transparency. The move has been praised by Manasseh Azure, who called it one of the most rewarding outcomes of his journalism career.
