Manasseh Azure Awuni, a prominent Ghanaian investigative journalist, has launched a fervent appeal for the termination of the sanitation module contract between the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a waste management company. This contract, which outsources the management of sanitation workers, commonly known as “sweepers,” to Zoomlion, has been a subject of contention and scrutiny, with Awuni arguing that it represents an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy and a conduit for corruption. He contends that Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) possess the inherent capacity to directly oversee their sanitation workforce, eliminating the need for an intermediary like Zoomlion. This direct management, Awuni emphasizes, would ensure accountability and efficient service delivery while also enabling the sweepers to receive their full entitled wages, currently diminished by Zoomlion’s involvement.
At the heart of Awuni’s argument is the belief that the current contractual arrangement with Zoomlion negatively impacts the livelihoods of the sweepers. He asserts that the sweepers’ salaries are significantly reduced due to Zoomlion taking a cut, leaving these essential workers with insufficient income to cope with the prevailing economic realities. Awuni advocates for a direct payment system where the sweepers report directly to the MMDAs, thereby receiving the full amount allocated for their services. This direct employment model, he proposes, would not only improve their financial well-being but also strengthen the MMDAs’ control over their sanitation personnel, enhancing accountability and performance monitoring. He challenges the rationale behind employing a private firm to manage a task that falls squarely within the mandate and capabilities of local government entities.
The call for the contract’s termination comes after Malik Basintale, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of YEA, indicated his intention to review the contract, expressing concern over the low wages paid to the sweepers. While Basintale’s willingness to reassess the contract is a positive step, Awuni argues that mere review is insufficient. He insists that the contract, which is due to expire in September 2024, should not be renewed in any form. The fundamental issue, according to Awuni, is not about renegotiating terms or introducing modifications but rather about a complete cessation of the arrangement. He maintains that the involvement of a middleman is redundant and detrimental, hindering the efficient and equitable management of the sanitation workforce.
Awuni further bolsters his argument by citing existing practices within various MMDAs, including the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), which already employ and supervise their own sweepers. This demonstrates, he argues, that MMDAs are perfectly capable of managing sanitation services without external intervention. The current system, where Zoomlion controls a segment of the sanitation workforce, creates a fragmented and less accountable system, making it difficult for the MMDAs to effectively monitor and evaluate the performance of all sweepers within their jurisdiction. This lack of direct oversight, Awuni posits, creates an environment conducive to corruption and inefficiency.
To further substantiate his claims of mismanagement and potential corruption, Awuni refers to the 2013 GYEEDA report, commissioned by then-President John Mahama, which highlighted irregularities within the youth employment program, including issues related to the sanitation module. He points out that the report provides evidence of the problems inherent in outsourcing sanitation services and urges Basintale to consult the document as further proof of the need for change. This reference to a previous official investigation strengthens Awuni’s argument by highlighting the long-standing concerns surrounding the arrangement with Zoomlion.
In conclusion, Manasseh Azure Awuni’s fervent call for the termination of the YEA-Zoomlion sanitation contract stems from his conviction that it is a flawed system that exploits sanitation workers and fosters corruption. He argues that the MMDAs are fully capable of managing their sanitation workforce directly, thereby ensuring fair wages for sweepers and enhancing accountability. He contends that the current arrangement is a wasteful use of public funds and that direct employment by the MMDAs is a more efficient and equitable solution. By highlighting the plight of the sweepers, referencing previous investigations, and emphasizing the capacity of local government, Awuni builds a compelling case for a fundamental shift in the management of sanitation services in Ghana.
