Zoomlion Ghana Limited has clarified that it is not responsible for the delayed payment of allowances of sanitation workers, specifically sweepers.

In a statement issued on Thursday, October 3, the waste management company explained that the responsibility for determining and disbursing allowances lies solely with the government and the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), not Zoomlion.

It added that as per the contract agreement, Zoomlion is responsible for managing the operatives and providing the necessary logistics they require for their work, including uniforms, brooms, and other working tools.

“The payment of YEA operatives’ allowances is solely determined by the Government/YEA. It is then released to Zoomlion for onward payment to the beneficiaries as Zoomlion manages their day-to-day activities but does not control or determine the amount or timing of payments to operatives,” portions of the statement reads.

This comes against the backdrop of calls from YEA to suspend the management services contract with Zoomlion due to the long-standing payment issues, affecting hundreds of sanitation workers across the country.

YEA's Executive Officer, Kofi Baah Agyapong, has demanded a review of the arrangement, which affects hundreds of sweepers who clean streets and public spaces across the country.

Under the current contract, Zoomlion is paid GH₵ 850 per sweeper by the government through YEA. From this amount, the company pays the workers GH₵ 250, while retaining GH₵ 600 as management and logistics fees.

Despite this, some sweepers have reportedly gone unpaid for over a year, leading YEA to push for a suspension of the contract and seek a renegotiation to address the growing backlog

Read also: We haven’t paid some sweepers for 9 months, not a year – Zoomlion

However, Zoomlion maintained that the delay stems from the government’s inability to disburse funds.

"Zoomlion has, on several occasions, secured loans to pre-finance allowances as a humanitarian gesture, even though this is not part of our contractual obligations," the statement added.

According to Zoomlion, YEA operatives work for four hours per day and do not work on Sundays. In addition to their regular duties, whenever operatives are required to work outside their contracted hours, Zoomlion ensures they are compensated with an allowance, and in some cases, provided with lunch.

The company also highlighted its nearly two decades of commitment to the YEA, stressing its continued support for workers. In addition to managing their logistics and day-to-day activities, Zoomlion has invested in the professional development of YEA workers through training programs, and some workers have progressed to become certified truck drivers.

In light of the ongoing concerns, the company reassured workers and the public that it remains committed to its partnership with the YEA and continues to provide necessary support to workers despite the financial challenges caused by delays from the government.

“We wish to assure all YEA operatives and the public that Zoomlion remains committed to supporting the operatives within the agreed framework and will continue to work closely with the government to ensure timely payments when funds are made available.”

“We firmly believe that it is in the best interest of and fairness to all parties involved to engage in open and constructive dialogue rather than resorting to actions and pronouncements that may tarnish the image of the company,” it added.

“Over the years, Zoomlion has consistently delivered world-class waste management services to various MMDAs, resulting in a significant reduction in sanitation-related health issues across the country. We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of service delivery and compliance with all contractual obligations.

“We are open to continued collaboration and dialogue with the relevant authorities to address any concerns and ensure the continued provision of exceptional waste management services.”