The Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation has rejected calls for the Youth Employment Authority (YEA) to end its contract with Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies.

This follows remarks by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, who recently called for the YEA to terminate the contract, accusing Zoomlion of exploiting workers under the sanitation module and failing to meet its contractual obligations.

However, John Kwabena Bless Oti, Chairman of the Committee and MP for Nkwanta North, disagreed with Awuni’s stance.

During a visit to the Kumasi Compost and Recycling Plant in the Ashanti Region on April 24, Mr. Oti said that while he did not share Awuni’s views, the Committee is open to hearing his concerns directly.

“We want to invite Manasseh Azure to appear before the committee, maybe when Parliament resumes, for him to share his information. Thousands of Ghanaians will lose their jobs if this contract is not renewed,” he said.

Mr. Oti stressed that any decision about the future of the contract would be made only after thoroughly considering all viewpoints.

He cautioned that canceling the contract could result in significant job losses, as Zoomlion currently employs thousands of Ghanaians.

Mr. Oti also suggested creating a dedicated fund to support long-term sanitation and waste management projects across the country.

Additionally, he reaffirmed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s commitment to settling outstanding payments owed to YEA workers and the Jospong Group to ensure smooth service delivery.

“Any amount owed to Zoomlion, we have trust that it will be paid. The budget that was presented has about GH¢13 billion to clear arrears, which Zoomlion is a part of. I think I disagree with him [Manasseh Azure].

“Jospong is a Ghanaian; if there are issues, we have to address them; that is why we have leaders,” he added.

The Ranking Member of the Committee and MP for Achiase, Kofi Ahenkorah Marfo, supported the Chairman's views, reinforcing the Committee’s commitment to creating a sanitation fund and ensuring its transparent management.

The Committee also praised the Jospong Group for its valuable contributions to job creation, waste management, recycling, and improving sanitation in Ghana.