The Parliamentary Select Committee on Local Government and Rural Development has pledged to support Zoomlion, a leading environmental services company, in its efforts to improve sanitation in Ghana.
Hon. Sawyerr Maame Pokuah Queenstar, MP for Agona East and Chairperson of the Local Government and Rural Development Select Committee, made this known during a visit to Zoomlion’s IRECOP facility in Ho, Volta Region.
Hon. Sawyerr emphasized the need for sustainability in sanitation efforts, noting that “most things that got started in 2016 are put on hold, and something different is done in 2020, another in 2024, 2025. I think it’s not helping the country.”
She stressed the importance of continuity, regardless of which government is in power, to enable companies like Zoomlion to deliver effectively.
“We need continuation no matter what it is or which government is in power. That is the only thing that can help the private sector to be able to deliver what they intend to do for Mother Ghana,” Hon. Sawyerr stated.
The Committee expressed concern over Zoomlion’s financial challenges, particularly the non-payment of arrears.
Hon. Sawyerr stated, “We are going to make sure we talk to this current government to let them understand that based on what we have seen, we cannot follow suit with what was done before.”
She assured that the Committee would push for change and support Zoomlion in securing the necessary assistance.
Hon. Sawyerr commended Zoomlion’s efforts, saying, “We are impressed. There are problems; we have made them aware, and I am sure we will come up with solutions to address them.”
The Committee reiterated its commitment to working with the private sector, including Zoomlion, to address identified issues and ensure effective sanitation management in Ghana.
Sophia Kudzordji, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at Jospong Group, explaining the rationale behind the visit, said the purpose was to enable the Committee to witness firsthand the company’s innovative waste management solutions.
“The idea is for them to see what is happening, what investments are being made, and what they can glean from it for discussions, especially in Parliament,” Kudzordji emphasized.
According to Madam Sophia, the Committee was impressed by Zoomlion’s state-of-the-art facilities, including its medical waste treatment plants. “They didn’t know we have anything like a medical waste treatment plant in this part of the country.”
Job Creation and Capacity Building
Kudzordji also emphasized the impact of Zoomlion’s operations on job creation and capacity building.
“About 80% of the people working at the Ho facility are from this area,” she said, highlighting the company’s commitment to building livelihoods in local communities.
