The Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources, John Oti Bless, has strongly proposed establishing a dedicated source of funding as a way forward in addressing the country’s sanitation problems.
He stressed that sanitation is a daily necessity and that without a dedicated source of funding, Ghana will continue to face the same sanitation challenges.
“As a committee, we will advocate for a dedicated sanitation fund. If 40 pesewas is being raised through the levy, 20 pesewas should go to sanitation while the other 20 goes to energy. This will bring real change,”
Mr. Oti Bless made the recommendation while responding to questions about the disparity between sanitation levy collections and tangible outcomes, during a tour of Zoomlion’s Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP) at Adjen-Kotoku on April 23, 2025.
He pointed out that with prompt payments, service providers in the sanitation sector can be held accountable for performance.
He questioned how Zoomlion could operate effectively without receiving payments from the government for the past two years for services rendered, asking, “How can a company function effectively without resources?”
“As a committee, we want to give him the benefit of the doubt. The finance minister, who appeared before our committee prior to the budget presentation, pledged a sum to clear outstanding debts, including those owed to Zoomlion. With about GHS 13 billion budgeted for this purpose, I trust the finance minister will fulfill this promise,” he assured.
Moving forward, Mr. Oti Bless, who doubles as the member of Parliament for Nkwanta North Constituency, Oti Region, assured that his committee will ensure the right steps are taken.
“We’re working closely with the media and need your support to drive change. We won’t rest until there’s visible and meaningful progress in this country. Every district assembly has until December to address pressing issues, particularly concerning YEA workers.
According to him, during their field visit, YEA workers raised several concerns, and Zoomlion has shared their perspective.
“We’ve invited the YEA CEO to appear before the committee to explore reviewing the allowances paid to these workers. For years, they’ve received minimal amounts; it’s time for a review to better motivate them,” he averred.
Another critical issue, Mr. Oti Bless indicated, was public behaviour, stressing that this is why “we need the media’s support for a nationwide public education campaign.”
He underscored that need for the local bye-laws to be enforced though he admitted many were not gazetted, rendering them unenforceable.
“We’ll work with the Minister for Local Government to address this. When people dump refuse indiscriminately, they must be held accountable. Let’s look at countries like Rwanda – clean and orderly – because their bylaws are active and strictly enforced,” he stated.
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According to him, during their recent field visit in Accra metropolis, Youth and Employment Agency (YEA) workers raised several concerns, while maintain that Zoomlion has also shared their perspective.
“We’ve invited the YEA CEO to appear before the committee to explore reviewing the allowances paid to these workers. For years, they’ve received minimal amounts; it’s time for a review to better motivate them,” he said.
Mr. Oti Bless highlighted public behaviour as another critical issue, emphasising the need for “the media’s support for a nationwide public education campaign.”
He stressed the importance of enforcing local bye-laws, however, noting that many were not gazetted, which rendered them unenforceable.
However, he said: “We’ll work with the Minister for Local Government to address this. When people dump refuse indiscriminately, they must be held accountable. Let’s look at countries like Rwanda – clean and orderly – because their bylaws are active and strictly enforced.”
For his part, the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, fervently urged the committee to back Zoomlion’s efforts in enforcing sanitation and environmental bye-laws, with strict prosecution of offenders.
This, he said, would significantly reduce indiscriminate waste dumping in public areas.
He explained, “Our work at Zoomlion transcends mere cleaning services.”
“We’re combating cholera, addressing environmental issues, and even supporting tourism initiatives, all while enhancing public health and sanitation infrastructure,” he highlighted.
He underscored the immense value of a clean and safe environment, stating, “A well-maintained environment can substantially improve people’s quality of life and longevity.”
However, Dr. Agyepong expressed disappointment at the lack of sufficient incentives and support for this critical sector.
“Our efforts often go unappreciated, which can be demotivating,” he said. He drew attention to the burden of taxes on essential equipment, requesting, “We’re currently negotiating the taxes on some of our vital equipment and humbly request that the committee members assist us in this matter.”
He firmly believed that with adequate support, Zoomlion could achieve even greater heights for the country.
“With your backing, we can make an even more significant impact on our nation,” he concluded.
Story By: Dennis Ato Keelson
