Zoomlion Ghana Limited has clarified the status of its contract with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), stating that the agreement for the Street Sweeping Programme expired naturally in September 2024 after a six-month extension from its original March 2024 end date.
The company underscored that the expiration does not equate to termination or cancellation by the government, countering media reports suggesting otherwise.
“The YEA contract for the Street Sweeping Programme (Youth in Sanitation Module) lapsed naturally and was not terminated,” Zoomlion explained in a statement issued at the weekend.
“The initial March 2024 deadline was extended by six months to September 2024. Expiration is distinct from termination,” Zoomlion indicated.
The clarification follows circulating reports about a June 11, 2025, letter from the Office of the President.
Zoomlion reiterated its readiness to participate in open tenders for sanitation contracts after the 2019 YEA deal concluded.
“Zoomlion fully supports competitive bidding for sanitation contracts,” the company’s Directorate of Communications and Corporate Affairs stated. “We competitively secured the lapsed YEA contract in 2019 and are prepared to engage in future transparent procurement processes,” the statement noted.
The waste management firm applauded the government’s efforts to increase wages for sweepers and sanitation workers amid sector reforms.
“We have long advocated for improved pay for these essential workers,” the statement noted. “Our commitment to fair, dignified, and sustainable employment for public health workers remains unwavering.”
Zoomlion also endorsed accountability measures, including audits of payments linked to the expired contract, pledging full cooperation with the Auditor-General.
“Transparency is paramount. As a responsible entity, we uphold integrity and value-for-money in all operations,” it added.
The company expressed confidence that ongoing reforms would enhance service delivery and public trust, citing its expertise, innovation, and nationwide coverage as advantages in future bids.
“Our track record positions us to excel under new contract frameworks,” Zoomlion stated.
Concluding, Zoomlion reaffirmed its partnership with the government and stakeholders to advance a “cleaner, greener, and more resilient Ghana,” aligning with former President John Dramani Mahama’s “RESET” agenda—Rebuilding, Equity, Sustainability, Empowerment, and Transformation.
“Zoomlion remains committed to collaborative progress,” the statement affirmed.
Below is the full statement
Zoomlion Clarifies Status of Youth Employment Agency (YEA)
Contract Amidst Circulating Information.
ACCRA, GHANA – Zoomlion wishes to clarify the following for the general public, media, and all
stakeholders about information circulating in the public domain concerning its contracts. This addresses a letter from the Office of the President dated June 11, 2025, regarding our expired contract with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA).
1. Contract Simply Reached Natural Expiration:
The YEA contract mentioned in the circulating letter related solely to the Street Sweeping Programme, originally set to expire in March 2024, but granted a six-month extension, thereby establishing its new expiration date as September 2024.
The contract has therefore reached its natural conclusion and expired. Contrary to claims in some media reports, this expiration does not constitute a termination or cancellation of the agreement by the government, and that is not what the Office of the President stated.
Zoomlion Ghana Limited has maintained a consistent and productive partnership with successive governments on the YEA module for over 19 years. This relationship underscores our dedication to Ghana’s sustainable development goals and reflects the government’s long-standing recognition of our contributions. It is important to note that the letter from the Presidency does not indicate a termination of Zoomlion’s other contracts or the broader YEA sanitation module.
2. Full Support for Competitive Procurement:
The letter from the Presidency also highlighted the government’s intention to implement competitive procurement processes for future sanitation contracts. Zoomlion Ghana Limited fully supports and welcomes this approach.
We wish to affirm that the recently expired YEA contract was competitively procured in 2019. We are well prepared and eager to actively participate in any forthcoming competitive procurement processes. Our extensive and long-standing track record of technical and operational competence, commitment to innovation, and unparalleled nationwide reach position us strongly to compete effectively and deliver even better services under new contract models.
3. Commitment to Workers and Sanitation Goals:
Zoomlion commends the government’s stated objective of improving the remuneration of sweepers and frontline sanitation workers as part of ongoing sector reforms.
Zoomlion remains deeply committed to ensuring dignified and sustainable livelihoods for sanitation workers across the country, recognizing their vital role and that many rely on this sector for their daily income and well-being.
4. Welcoming Accountability Measures and Reaffirming Commitment to Ghana:
Zoomlion Ghana Limited welcomes and fully supports all accountability procedures directed by the Presidency, including the audit of payments and verification of claims related to the expired Youth Employment Agency (YEA) contract.
As a responsible corporate entity, transparency, integrity, and delivering value for money are core to our operations. We endorse the government’s commitment to reform and innovation within the sanitation sector. We are confident these measures will enhance service delivery, foster greater public trust, and
strengthen institutional frameworks.
5. Pan-African Recognition Underscores Our Impact:
Zoomlion’s demonstrated success and impact in Ghana’s sanitation sector have attracted significant interest from 24 other African nations.
Many of these nations have entered into concession agreements, Memoranda of Understanding, or initiated feasibility studies with Zoomlion, aiming to adapt and replicate our sustainable waste management model. This widespread continental interest underscores our role as a leading force in environmental solutions and reflects Ghana’s growing influence in shaping Africa’s green transformation
agenda.
Conclusion:
In alignment with the “RESET” agenda of the Government of President John Dramani Mahama—focused on Rebuilding, Equity, Sustainability, Empowerment, and Transformation—Zoomlion Ghana Limited reaffirms its steadfast commitment to collaborating with the government and all stakeholders.
Our shared goal remains to build a cleaner, greener, and more resilient Ghana for the benefit of all citizens. Our mission continues to be intrinsically linked with national development goals and the broader aspirations of the Ghanaian people: to reset our sanitation systems, create dignified employment opportunities, protect our environment, and uphold the highest standards of public service.
About Zoomlion Ghana Limited:
Zoomlion Ghana Limited is Ghana’s leading waste management and environmental sanitation solutions provider, with operations spanning diverse areas, including waste collection, processing, disposal, and public cleansing. With a nationwide presence and a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Zoomlion has been at the forefront of transforming Ghana’s sanitation landscape for over two decades, employing thousands and contributing significantly to public health and environmental protection.
For any further enquiries, please contact:
Ms. Emma Adwoa Appiaa Osei-Duah
Corporate Affairs and Communications Director
Zoomlion Ghana Limited
+233 501281702
www.zoomlionghana.com
Story By: Dennis Ato Keelson
