Zoomlion Ghana Limited has clarified that its contract with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) came to a natural conclusion in September 2024 and was not terminated or cancelled by the government, contrary to claims in some media reports.
The clarification follows a letter from the Office of the President dated June 11, 2025, regarding the Street Sweeping Programme. Zoomlion explained that the agreement, originally set to end in March 2024, was extended by six months and subsequently expired.
“The contract has therefore reached its natural conclusion and expired,” the company stated. “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.”
The President’s letter, which was issued in response to a petition filed by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, confirmed that the contract would not be renewed. It also indicated that future sanitation contracts would be awarded through a competitive tendering process.
The letter further revealed plans to audit payments made to Zoomlion after the contract’s expiration and to enhance the welfare of sanitation workers.
Zoomlion expressed its support for the government’s new direction.
“Zoomlion Ghana Limited fully supports and welcomes this approach,” the company said.
Zoomlion also emphasised that the original YEA contract was awarded through a competitive process in 2019, and that it is ready to compete again under the new system.
“We are well prepared and eager to actively participate in any forthcoming competitive procurement processes.”
On the issue of accountability, the company endorsed the government’s decision to audit all post-contract payments.
“As a responsible corporate entity, transparency, integrity, and delivering value for money are core to our operations,” Zoomlion stated.
Zoomlion also reaffirmed its commitment to sanitation workers and expressed support for government plans to improve their compensation.
“Zoomlion remains deeply committed to ensuring dignified and sustainable livelihoods for sanitation workers across the country.”
Additionally, the company clarified that the Presidential directive does not affect any of its other engagements with the YEA or any other government institutions.
Zoomlion concluded by noting that its sanitation model is drawing interest from across the continent. “Our success and impact in Ghana’s sanitation sector have attracted significant interest from 24 other African nations,” the statement said, referring to ongoing feasibility studies and partnerships aimed at replicating its model abroad.