The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has disclosed that the government 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 addressed concerns over delayed payments to firms under the Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA), describing the debt—accumulated under the Akufo-Addo administration—as a major challenge for the current government.
Despite the financial strain, he emphasized the need for strong collaboration between the government and private waste management companies like Zoomlion to tackle Ghana’s waste management issues.
“We are collaborating closely with Zoomlion to address waste management challenges in the country, particularly focusing on recycling plastic waste,” he stated.
Ahmed Ibrahim commended Zoomlion for its investments in modern sanitation infrastructure, acknowledging that the government lacks the necessary facilities to handle both solid and liquid waste efficiently.
“Zoomlion’s commitment to building advanced waste management systems across Ghana remains unparalleled,” he noted.
He highlighted Zoomlion’s expanded role beyond waste collection, particularly in faecal waste management, and warned of a potential nationwide sanitation crisis should the company cease operations.
Recalling past practices where faecal waste was dumped directly into the sea, he stressed the environmental and health hazards that such actions posed.
He also pointed out that Zoomlion’s liquid waste recycling plants now process sewage into compost and charcoal, aligning with a 2016 ban on sea disposal introduced by former President John Dramani Mahama.
The minister further called for increased government attention to sanitation, citing a cholera outbreak in coastal regions such as Cape Coast, Winneba, and Takoradi on October 24, 2023. He urged intensified public education on sanitation risks to prevent future health crises.