Government Owes Zoomlion GH¢1.2 Billion for Waste Management Services- Minister Reveals

The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has revealed that the Government of Ghana owes Zoomlion Ghana Limited a staggering GH¢1.2 billion for services rendered over the past two years.

Speaking on Adom TV in Accra, the minister disclosed that the debt, which was accumulated under the Akufo-Addo administration, poses a significant financial challenge to the current government. He assured Ghanaians that the government remains committed to partnering with private waste management companies like Zoomlion to address the country’s waste management challenges.

“We are collaborating closely with Zoomlion to address waste management challenges in the country, particularly focusing on recycling plastic waste,” he emphasised.

Strengthening Sanitation Efforts
Ahmed Ibrahim praised Zoomlion for its substantial investments in modern sanitation infrastructure, acknowledging that the government lacks adequate facilities to efficiently handle solid and liquid waste.

“Zoomlion’s commitment to building advanced waste management systems across Ghana remains unparalleled,” he stated.

He warned of a potential sanitation crisis should Zoomlion suspend operations, noting that the company’s expanded role now includes faecal waste management—a critical component of the country’s sanitation strategy.

Recalling previous practices where faecal waste was dumped directly into the sea, he highlighted the environmental and health hazards posed by such actions. He commended Zoomlion’s liquid waste recycling plants for turning sewage into compost and charcoal, aligning with the 2016 ban on sea disposal introduced by former President John Dramani Mahama.

Cholera Outbreak Sparks Sanitation Concerns
Ahmed Ibrahim also raised concerns about sanitation-related health risks, citing a cholera outbreak in coastal regions including Cape Coast, Winneba, and Takoradi on October 24, 2023.

He called for increased public education on sanitation, stressing that proper waste management is crucial to preventing health crises.

The minister’s remarks underscore the urgent need for the government to settle its debt to Zoomlion and strengthen partnerships with waste management firms to ensure effective and sustainable sanitation solutions.

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