The President of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), Alfred Asiedu Adjei, has commended the Chief Executive Officer of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Mr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, for his unwavering commitment to improving sanitation, advancing local economic development, and creating jobs across the country.

The commendation was made during a high-level courtesy call on the CEO by the NALAG President, accompanied by the newly elected General Secretary, Mr. Sheriff J. Amarh, and Mr. Justice Senyo Tsitsia.

The visit served both as a gesture of goodwill and a strategic dialogue aimed at deepening collaboration between NALAG and Zoomlion toward national development through strengthened local governance systems.

Zoomlion’s impact on local governance

Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a leading waste management and environmental sanitation company, has for years been a critical partner to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country. Through its interventions, Zoomlion has significantly enhanced sanitation infrastructure, improved public cleanliness, and contributed to better health outcomes—especially at the grassroots level.

Mr. Adjei praised the company’s contributions to environmental sustainability and acknowledged its role in helping local assemblies fulfill their public health and sanitation mandates. He noted that Zoomlion’s work aligns with the national vision for decentralization and effective local governance.

“As a nation, we cannot overlook the pivotal role Zoomlion has played in strengthening sanitation systems across our districts. Today, we are here to express our sincere appreciation and to propose a new level of collaboration that empowers our local structures to do even more,” said the NALAG President.

Strengthening local economic development through partnership

A key focus of the meeting was the shared commitment to promoting local economic development. Hon. Adjei proposed a structured partnership to co-develop initiatives that would:

               •             Enhance internal revenue generation for local assemblies

               •             Reduce poverty through employment and entrepreneurial opportunities

               •             Train and build the capacity of Unit Committee Members, who serve as the foundation of local governance

               •             Intensify public education on sanitation and waste management to prevent disease outbreaks and promote public health.

The NALAG President emphasized the importance of equipping Unit Committee Members with the tools, knowledge, and leadership skills needed to function effectively in their communities. According to him, “when local governance structures are strengthened, the entire nation stands to benefit.”

Education and Sanitation: A Public Health Priority

The NALAG delegation also stressed the urgent need for expanded public education on waste management, particularly in underserved and high-risk communities. With increasing urbanization and evolving environmental challenges, Hon. Adjei underscored that behavioral change through education is essential for sustaining sanitation gains.

“Preventing cholera, malaria, and other sanitation-related diseases begins with education and proper waste management practices,” he noted. “Zoomlion’s experience in community sensitization makes them an ideal partner in achieving this goal.”

Zoomlion CEO Commits to Deepening Collaboration

In his response, Mr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong warmly welcomed the visit and expressed appreciation to the NALAG leadership for recognizing Zoomlion’s contributions to national development. He reiterated his company’s readiness to partner with local government institutions to further strengthen their operations and community engagement.

“Zoomlion believes in building from the ground up. Our success has always depended on the trust and partnerships we’ve built with MMDAs. We are ready and eager to work with NALAG to empower local leaders, educate the public, and create sustainable jobs,” Mr. Agyepong stated.

The Way Forward

The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to establish a joint working group to develop a roadmap for the proposed partnership. This collaboration is expected to lead to the rollout of structured training programs, targeted community education campaigns, and innovative economic development models tailored to the needs of local assemblies.

This engagement marks a renewed era of cooperation between the private sector and local government institutions—anchored on shared responsibility and a unified vision for inclusive, people-centered national development.