The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Caucus has stated that it will not interfere in the sanitation contract between the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited.

In a statement issued by the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Mahama Ayariga, the Caucus clarified that the Sanitation Committee of Parliament has not been authorised to get involved in the YEA’s decision regarding the sanitation module contract with Zoomlion.

“The National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Parliamentary Caucus in Parliament has not authorised the Sanitation Committee of Parliament to interfere with the work of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) in the YEA’s decision regarding the sanitation module contract of the Zoomlion company,” he said.

He dismissed media reports suggesting the Committee’s involvement in the matter, stating, “The Chairman of the Committee has reported to me that, contrary to media reports, neither he nor any committee member has attempted to do any such thing.”

He further warned that individual opinions from members of the Sanitation Committee should not be taken as the position of Parliament or the Committee.

“Any comments made by any member of the Sanitation Committee which appear to defend Zoomlion’s sanitation contract with YEA should be ignored by YEA or the public as they do not represent the decision or opinion of the Committee or Parliament,” he said.

He also advised Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies not to feel pressured by any authority to enter into contracts with specific companies.

“In the same vein, no Metropolitan, Municipal or District Assembly should in any form or manner allow itself to be intimidated by any authority to enter into any sanitation contract with any particular company,” Mr Ayariga stated.

He reminded the public that in the last session of Parliament, the House implemented a directive by President John Dramani Mahama that 80% of the Common Fund should be delivered directly to the Assemblies, allowing them the independence to decide their development priorities.