Parliamentary Select Committee to invite Manasseh Azure over comments against Zoomlion

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation is set to invite investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni over a recent article against Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies.

Manasseh Azure Awuni has issued a strong warning to Malik Basintale, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), urging him not to renew a sanitation contract with waste management company, Zoomlion Ghana Limited.

In a passionate appeal published this week on his Facebook, Manasseh described the proposed deal as a “theft” and declared that “it stinks to the heavens.”

The contentious contract, which, according to him, expired in September 2024, allegedly allots GH¢850 monthly per sanitation worker, but under its current structure, GH¢600 is retained by Zoomlion as management fees, leaving only GH¢250 for the sweepers—an amount many have decried as inhumane and exploitative.

Manasseh's latest statement comes amid reports that the YEA board is considering a contract renewal, a move that the former YEA CEO under the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kofi Agyapong, firmly resisted before his exit.

In reaction, the Chairman of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Nkwanta North, John Kwabena Bless Oti, disagreed with this assertion.

Speaking during a working visit to the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant in the Ashanti Region on Thursday, April 24, Mr. Oti stated that although he does not share the journalist's view, the Committee would invite Manasseh Azure to present his concerns formally.

He noted that a decision would be made after all perspectives have been considered.

He warned that ending the contract could lead to massive job losses, as Zoomlion employs thousands of Ghanaians.

As a proactive measure, he proposed the creation of a dedicated fund to support sustainable sanitation and waste management efforts across the country.

Mr. Oti also assured that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government is committed to paying arrears owed to YEA workers and the Jospong Group to enhance the effective delivery of their services.

“Any amount owed Zoomlion, we have trust that it will be paid, the budget that was presented has about GH13 billion to clear arrears, which Zoomlion is a part of. I think I disagree with him [Manasseh Azure].

“Jospong is a Ghanaian; if there are issues, we have to address them; that is why we have leaders. We want to invite Manasseh Azure to appear before the committee, maybe when Parliament resumes, for him to share his information. Thousands of Ghanaians will lose their jobs if this contract is not renewed,” he said.

The Ranking Member of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Achiase, Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo, backed the Chairman's remarks.

He reaffirmed the Committee's commitment to facilitating the establishment of a sanitation fund and ensuring accountability in its management.

The Committee also commended the Jospong Group of Companies for its pivotal role in job creation, waste management, recycling, and its overall contribution to improving sanitation in Ghana.