The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) in Ghana is poised to implement a substantial salary increase for its sanitation module sweepers, marking a significant shift in its compensation structure. Acting CEO Malik Basintale announced a planned 300% raise for these workers, whose current monthly salary of GH¢258 is considerably below the national minimum wage and deemed unfair. This increment aims to provide sweepers with more dignified wages, reflecting a commitment to fair labor practices within the agency. Basintale expressed his firm stance on this issue, emphasizing the inadequacy of the current pay and vowing to ensure a more just compensation scheme. The planned increase signals a recognition of the importance of these essential workers and a move towards improving their economic well-being.
The implementation of the salary increase is contingent upon the YEA’s ability to settle outstanding arrears owed to service providers, specifically Zoomlion, the waste management company contracted to manage the sanitation module. Basintale assured the workers that the agency is actively working to secure the necessary funds to clear these debts, paving the way for the implementation of the new salary structure. This commitment to resolving financial obligations underscores the agency’s dedication to ensuring the timely and effective disbursement of the increased wages to the sweepers. The link between clearing arrears and implementing the salary increment highlights the interconnected nature of the agency’s financial responsibilities.
The impending salary increase comes on the heels of a significant announcement from the Presidency regarding the future of the sanitation module contract with Zoomlion. The contract, set to expire in 2024, will not be renewed, signaling a potential restructuring of the sanitation module’s operational framework. This decision follows concerns raised about the distribution of funds allocated per sweeper, with allegations that a significant portion was retained by Zoomlion for administrative costs while the workers received a substantially smaller amount. The non-renewal of the contract suggests a potential shift in the management of the sanitation module and a closer scrutiny of financial practices within the program.
Further highlighting the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, the Presidency has also ordered an audit of payments made to Zoomlion after the contract’s expiry. This audit aims to identify any unauthorized disbursements and ensure that any misappropriated funds are recovered. This move demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing potential financial irregularities and ensuring the responsible use of taxpayer money. The audit serves as a crucial step in ensuring the integrity of the sanitation module and its financial operations.
The impetus for these changes stemmed from investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni’s petition to the Presidency, bringing to light the disparity between the allocated funds per sweeper (GH¢850) and the actual amount received by the workers (GH¢258). The petition raised concerns about the substantial difference retained by Zoomlion, purportedly for administrative costs. This investigation shed light on the financial discrepancies within the sanitation module, prompting the government to take decisive action to address the issue and ensure fair compensation for the sweepers. The petition played a pivotal role in triggering the review and subsequent changes in the sanitation module’s financial practices.
In summary, the announced salary increment for YEA sanitation sweepers represents a significant step towards improving their working conditions and ensuring fair compensation for their essential services. This move, coupled with the non-renewal of the Zoomlion contract and the subsequent audit of payments, reflects a broader effort to enhance transparency and accountability within the agency. The YEA’s commitment to resolving outstanding arrears and implementing the increased wages underscores its dedication to upholding fair labor practices and ensuring the well-being of its workforce. These changes mark a significant shift in the management and financial operations of the sanitation module, promising a more equitable and sustainable future for the sweepers and the program as a whole. The agency’s proactive approach to addressing the identified issues and its commitment to implementing necessary reforms demonstrate a positive step toward building a more transparent and accountable system for the benefit of all stakeholders.
