The Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation has opposed calls for the Youth Employment Authority (YEA) to discontinue its contract with Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies.

This position follows recent remarks by renowned investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, who urged the YEA to terminate its agreement with Zoomlion.

He accused the company of exploiting workers under the sanitation module and breaching the terms of its contractual obligations.

However, the Chairman of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Nkwanta North, John Kwabena Bless Oti, expressed disagreement with the journalist’s stance.

Speaking during a working visit to the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant in the Ashanti Region on Thursday, 24th April, Mr Oti stated that while he does not align with Manasseh Azure’s view, the Committee remains open to hearing from him directly.

“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.

Mr Oti stressed that any decision regarding the future of the contract would be made only after all viewpoints had been thoroughly assessed.

He cautioned that cancelling the contract could result in widespread unemployment, as Zoomlion currently employs thousands of Ghanaians.

He suggested the creation of a dedicated fund to support long-term sanitation and waste management initiatives across the country.

Mr Oti also reiterated the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s resolve to settle outstanding payments owed to YEA workers and the Jospong Group to ensure smooth service delivery.

“Any amount owed to Zoomlion, we have trust that it will be paid. The budget that was presented has about GH¢13 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,” he added.

The Ranking Member of the Committee and MP for Achiase, Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo, echoed the Chairman’s sentiments, affirming the Committee’s commitment to the establishment of a sanitation fund and ensuring transparency in its administration.

The Committee further lauded the Jospong Group for its significant contributions to employment generation, waste management, recycling, and the overall enhancement of sanitation in Ghana.