President John Dramani Mahama has officially ended the long-standing contract between the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a move aimed at addressing concerns of corruption and mismanagement.

According to a report by manassehazure.com on June 12, 2025, the President stated that the government will redirect potential savings from the discontinued contract to increase payments to sanitation workers.

The YEA-Zoomlion partnership, which began in 2006, has faced years of scrutiny. The decision to terminate the contract follows a formal petition by investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, who submitted documented evidence of alleged corruption and inefficiencies under the arrangement.

In a response letter dated June 11, 2025, and signed by Secretary to the President Dr. Callistus Mahama, the President acknowledged the concerns and outlined the government’s position.

“The contract between the Youth Employment Agency and Zoomlion Ghana Limited has expired and will not be renewed,” the letter stated.

Under the previous contract terms, each sweeper was allocated GH¢850 monthly. However, only GH¢250 was paid directly to the workers, while Zoomlion retained GH¢600 as management fees. Additionally, if YEA delayed payments for more than three months, Zoomlion imposed significant interest charges—reportedly totaling GH¢90 million in 2024 alone.

The President’s response also addressed broader issues, including the minimal wages paid to sweepers and the near-monopoly Zoomlion holds over sanitation contracts in Ghana.

By discontinuing the contract, the government aims to reform the sector, ensure fair compensation for workers, and promote greater transparency and accountability in public service delivery.