Zoomlion renews call on YEA for higher pay for sanitation beneficiaries

Zoomlion Ghana Limited has once again urged the Government of Ghana to review and increase the monthly allowance paid to beneficiaries of the Youth in Sanitation Module under the Youth Employment Agency (YEA).
The call follows ongoing public criticism over what many describe as inadequate compensation for thousands of young Ghanaians employed under the initiative.
Currently, the total sum allocated per beneficiary stands at GH₵850.
However, only GH₵258 is paid directly to the staff as allowance, while GH₵592 goes to Zoomlion as a management fee.
This fee, according to the company, covers logistics, the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and administrative services.
Despite being at the center of backlash over the low wages, Zoomlion insists it is not responsible for determining the allowance paid to the sanitation workers.
The company is bound by the provisions of a contract with the YEA, which specifies its role as purely managerial.

Pre-financing operations amidst payment delays
As per the contractual agreement, Zoomlion is mandated to pre-finance payments to the youth beneficiaries.
The government is expected to reimburse the company quarterly, by the end of the following month.
However, the company has disclosed that it has experienced undue delays in receiving these payments — in some instances, for over a year.
“These persistent delays have resulted in financial strain on the company,” Zoomlion noted, adding that it has called on the government to consider interest payments to cushion the business against the loss in value caused by the long wait times.
The company maintains that these delays do not equate to authority over allowance determination and has emphasized its commitment to pushing for increased stipends for the workers.

Operational responsibilities
Zoomlion’s collaboration with the government dates back to 2006, when it signed a contract with the then Ministry of Youth and Sports under the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP), now the Youth Employment Authority (YEA).
Through the Youth in Sanitation Module, the government — via the YEA and in partnership with local District Assemblies — engages young Ghanaians to carry out public sanitation and cleaning duties across the country.
Zoomlion’s core responsibility has been to manage and supervise the activities of these workers.
This includes training, deploying, and monitoring the workforce, as well as supplying the necessary tools, sanitary equipment, and PPE to ensure their effectiveness and safety.

Proven impact in waste management and job creation
Zoomlion’s efforts have not gone unnoticed in the broader sanitation and environmental landscape.
The company has established 36 waste treatment facilities nationwide, including 18 material recovery and waste treatment plants.
Its operations have generated significant employment: over 6,000 core staff, 30,000 tricycle riders, and an estimated 200,000 jobs along the sanitation value chain.
Additionally, the company touts its contributions to youth empowerment and skills development, emphasizing its role in promoting innovation, environmental awareness, and professional training in the sanitation sector.
In spite of the financial challenges and lack of reimbursement, Zoomlion says it has continued to operate out of a sense of duty to the public good and national development.
“The company welcomes all initiatives aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and effectiveness,” it stated.
“We remain committed to job creation, improving lives and livelihoods, and advancing environmental protection,” Zoomlion said.
Zoomlion has reiterated its gratitude to all stakeholders — including the current and previous governments — for their dedication to sanitation efforts.
The company made special mention of former President John Dramani Mahama, acknowledging his contributions during his administration.
It also thanked the Ghanaian public for their continued support, assuring citizens of its unwavering dedication to a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment for all.