The Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation has invited investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni to appear before them to explain his recent call for the termination of the Youth Employment Authority’s (YEA) contract with Zoomlion Ghana Limited.

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Manasseh Azure had accused Zoomlion—a subsidiary of the Jospong Group—of taking advantage of sanitation workers and breaching parts of its contract with the YEA. He urged the government to cancel the agreement.

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But the Chairman of the Committee, John Kwabena Bless Oti, who is also the Member of Parliament for Nkwanta North, says he disagrees with Manasseh’s position.

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Speaking during a visit to the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant on April 24, Mr. Oti said ending the contract could cause many Ghanaians to lose their jobs. He noted that Zoomlion currently employs thousands of people across the country.

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“We want to invite Manasseh Azure to appear before the committee when Parliament resumes, so he can provide more details. We shouldn’t rush to end this contract because it will affect many workers,” he said.

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Mr. Oti also suggested that Ghana should consider setting up a special fund to support sanitation and waste management efforts across the country.

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He assured that any money owed to Zoomlion by the government would be paid soon. According to him, the national budget has already made room to clear outstanding debts, including those owed to the Jospong Group.

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“Jospong is a Ghanaian company. If there are problems, we solve them. That’s the responsibility of leaders,” he added.

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Ranking Member of the Committee and Achiase MP, Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo, supported Mr. Oti’s remarks. He emphasized the need for transparency in managing the proposed sanitation fund and praised Zoomlion for its role in reducing unemployment and improving waste management in the country.

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The Committee believes that before any decision is taken about the future of the contract, all voices—including Manasseh Azure’s—must be heard.

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