YEA -Zoomlion Contract won’t be renewed, Govt to Pursue Competitive Procurement

The Office of the President has confirmed the expiration of the contract between the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited, stating unequivocally that the agreement will not be renewed.

This significant development comes in response to a petition filed by freelance investigative journalist, Mr. Manasseh Azure Awuni.

A letter dated June 11, 2025, from the Office of the President, signed by Callistus Mahama Ph.D., Secretary to the President, acknowledges Mr. Azure Awuni’s concerns and outlines the government’s decisive actions.

Key directives from the Presidency include:• Contract Expiration and Non-Renewal: The contract between YEA and Zoomlion Ghana Limited (“Zoomlion”) has officially expired and will not be renewed

.• Audit of Payments and Claims:

All payments made to Zoomlion after the contract’s expiration will undergo a thorough audit. The letter explicitly states that no further payments will be authorized without proper verification, and any unauthorized payments will be recovered.•

Competitive Procurement: The Cabinet has directed that all future sanitation contracts will be subject to a competitive procurement process.

The government aims to move away from sole national contracts, emphasizing that regional or district-based tenders for private firms will be pursued.

This shift is intended to foster competitive pricing, stimulate innovation, and ensure companies compete on quality to secure contracts.

A cabinet subcommittee has been tasked with developing the modalities for implementing this new procurement approach.• Sweeper Fees: The government also intends to increase sweeper fees to provide a more livable income, citing probable cost savings as a rationale.•

Fumigation Contracts: Contracts for fumigation that have not been performed satisfactorily will be reviewed. Appropriate action, including termination in accordance with their terms and upon the advice of the Attorney-General, will be taken.

The letter was addressed to Mr. Manasseh Azure Awuni and copied to the Vice President and the Chief of Staff at Jubilee House, Accra.

This move signals a strong commitment from the Presidency to enhance transparency, accountability, and competition within public sector contracts, particularly concerning sanitation and youth employment initiatives.

The thorough audit of past payments to Zoomlion and the directive for competitive bidding for future contracts underscore a significant policy shift aimed at optimizing public funds and ensuring value for money.