I Have Evidence Of Them Siphoning Billions Of Dollars Through Shady Contracts – Mannaseh Azure Awuni

Claims by some politicians and their associates that local assemblies lack the equipment needed to address sanitation problems have come under scrutiny, with critics arguing that substantial public funds were already allocated to a company associated with Zoomlion to import equipment intended for the assemblies.

However, allegations have emerged that much of the imported machinery was intended for road construction rather than sanitation services. Critics maintain that providing assemblies with appropriate waste management equipment would enable them to manage sanitation more independently and reduce their reliance on private contractors.

They also argue that some sanitation companies obtained contracts before receiving government support to purchase the equipment required to perform the work. From this perspective, Ghana’s sanitation difficulties cannot simply be attributed to inadequate capacity at the local government level. Questions must also be asked about how the sector has been organised and managed.

Critics further contend that political interference and alleged corruption over several decades have undermined sanitation management, turning the sector into an area of concern over how public funds are allocated and spent. They are calling for greater scrutiny of contracts, government support and the use of resources intended to improve waste management.

Those advancing this argument say the issue is not an attempt to discredit local businesses. They point to private sanitation operators that have delivered services despite receiving less government assistance than some larger companies. J Stanley Owusu, for example, has been cited as a local operator contributing to waste management efforts.

Comparisons involving landfill management facilities, including the Kumasi Landfill and the Kpone facility, have also been raised to highlight the importance of transparency, efficiency and accountability in the sector.

Supporters of reform argue that supplying suitable equipment and improving infrastructure will not be enough on their own. They insist that Ghana must also address alleged corruption, inefficient practices and weaknesses in oversight if it hopes to achieve lasting improvements in sanitation services.