Waste management giant Zoomlion Ghana Limited has debunked claims suggesting its contract with the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) was abruptly terminated by government.

The company stated categorically that the agreement ended naturally in September 2024 after a scheduled extension.

In a statement responding to a June 11, 2025, communication from the Office of the President, Zoomlion explained that the agreement—part of the national Street Sweeping Programme—had originally been set to conclude in March 2024, but was extended for an additional six months.

“The contract has therefore reached its natural conclusion and expired,” the company clarified.

“Contrary to claims in some media reports, this expiration does not constitute a termination or cancellation of the agreement by the government, and that is not what the Office of the President stated.”

The Presidency’s letter was issued in response to a petition submitted by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni.

It stated that the government had resolved not to renew the contract, opting instead to introduce competitive tendering for future sanitation agreements.

The letter further disclosed plans to audit all payments made to Zoomlion after the contract expired, and pledged reforms to enhance conditions for sanitation workers.

Zoomlion has welcomed these developments, expressing support for the government’s efforts to enhance transparency and ensure value for money.

“Zoomlion Ghana Limited fully supports and welcomes this approach,” the company affirmed. It also noted that the original YEA contract had been awarded through competitive procurement in 2019 and indicated its readiness to engage in any future bidding processes.

“We are well prepared and eager to actively participate in any forthcoming competitive procurement processes.”

On the subject of accountability, the firm underscored its commitment to ethical practices and applauded the audit initiative.

“As a responsible corporate entity, transparency, integrity, and delivering value for money are core to our operations,” Zoomlion stated.

It reiterated its support for sanitation workers and endorsed efforts to improve their remuneration.

“Zoomlion remains deeply committed to ensuring dignified and sustainable livelihoods for sanitation workers across the country,” the company said, adding that the President’s directive has no bearing on its other active contracts with YEA or other state agencies.