The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Rashid Pelpuo, has underscored the critical role of private sector sanitation companies in advancing Ghana's proposed 24-hour economy policy, describing Zoomlion Ghana Limited as a model enterprise capable of driving employment creation and economic productivity.

The Minister made the remarks during a working visit to the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP) on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, where he toured the facility to familiarise himself with its operations, expansion plans, and overall contribution to national economic development.

The visit formed part of the government's broader reset agenda aimed at strengthening labour conditions, enhancing worker welfare, and supporting private sector participation in Ghana's economic transformation.

Dr. Pelpuo explained that the engagement was intended to deepen government understanding of occupational hazards within the waste management sector, worker welfare concerns, and challenges faced by private operators in accessing government incentives and institutional support.

"We are keen to understand how this work affects the working population," he said.

"We want to assess occupational hazards, the welfare of workers, and the operational challenges businesses face. Government remains committed to supporting private enterprises to grow and create sustainable jobs."

He stressed that waste management companies play an important role in safeguarding public health while simultaneously providing large-scale employment opportunities.

Highlighting the government's proposed 24-hour economy policy, the Minister indicated that companies capable of sustaining continuous operations would receive strategic attention and support.

"The government is committed to creating value and supporting private businesses, especially under the 24-hour economy framework.

"Zoomlion is a strong example of the type of organisation we are looking to support, and this visit helps us better appreciate the scale of their work," he noted.

According to him, initiatives that prioritise worker safety, environmental sustainability, and employment generation align directly with the government's economic transformation agenda.

"We are not pushing people to rush into waste management, but we will provide incentives for those willing to invest in the sector. Zoomlion is doing remarkable work and has enormous potential," he added.

The Minister further disclosed that the company's nationwide presence through numerous subsidiaries and operational facilities has contributed significantly to youth employment, noting that approximately 200,000 Ghanaians have benefited from opportunities created across the sanitation value chain.

He emphasised that facilities such as ACARP could benefit substantially from policies aimed at boosting productivity through round-the-clock operations.

"We are pursuing a reset agenda while supporting the 24-hour economy to function effectively. Organisations such as Zoomlion represent areas where government support can have a significant national impact," he said.

The Chief Operating Officer of the Environment and Sanitation Cluster of the Jospong Group of Companies, Mrs Florence Larbi, highlighted the company's transformation over the past two decades.

She explained that Zoomlion has evolved from basic waste collection into a comprehensive waste value-chain operator covering collection, storage, transfer, recycling, and treatment services.

With 36 waste treatment facilities across Ghana, including medical, liquid, and solid waste processing plants, the company now provides sanitation services to households and institutions nationwide.

"We have come a long way, and today we are proud to serve almost every household in Ghana," she said.

She added that the company remains well-positioned to support large-scale national sanitation initiatives, including youth employment programmes.

The Managing Director of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Mrs. Doris Kweikwor Adjei, expressed appreciation to the Minister and his delegation, describing the visit as a strong affirmation of collaboration between government and the private sector.

"Your visit reinforces that labour is not only about policy discussions but about people, dignity, and the employment opportunities created for Ghanaians," she said.

She assured the delegation of the company's continued commitment to building a disciplined and motivated workforce capable of contributing meaningfully to Ghana's economic growth.

"We will not only clean Ghana but also continue to develop a workforce that supports national productivity and development," she added.

Other management members of the Jospong Group present included Executive Director of the Environment and Sanitation Cluster, Mrs. Gloria Opoku Anti; Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Ms. Sophia Kudjordji; General Manager of ACARP, Mr. Paddy Tuwor; Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Ms. Emma Adwoa Appiah Osei-Duah; and Public Relations Manager, Mr. Ernest Morgan Acquah, among others.