Government’s GH¢1.2 Billion Debt to Zoomlion Sparks Concern Over Waste Management
The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), Ahmed Ibrahim, has disclosed that the Ghanaian government owes Zoomlion Ghana Limited a staggering GH¢1.2 billion for waste management services provided over the past two years.
Speaking on Adom TV, the Minister explained that the debt, inherited from the Akufo-Addo administration, remains a major challenge for the current government.
Despite the financial setback, Ibrahim emphasized the government’s commitment to working with private waste management companies like Zoomlion to tackle the country’s growing sanitation issues.
“We are collaborating closely with Zoomlion to address waste management challenges in the country, particularly focusing on recycling plastic waste,” he noted.
He stressed the importance of public-private partnerships, commending Zoomlion’s investment in state-of-the-art sanitation infrastructure.
According to the Minister, Zoomlion remains a key player in Ghana’s sanitation sector, handling both solid and liquid waste management.
“Zoomlion’s commitment to building advanced waste management systems across Ghana remains unparalleled,” he stated.
He acknowledged that the government lacks the necessary infrastructure for waste treatment and recycling, making private sector collaboration essential.
The Minister warned that a nationwide sanitation crisis could emerge if Zoomlion halts its operations due to non-payment.
He recalled past incidents where faecal waste was dumped directly into the sea, leading to serious environmental and health hazards. However, thanks to Zoomlion’s liquid waste recycling plants, sewage is now processed into compost and charcoal, in line with a 2016 ban on sea disposal introduced by former President John Dramani Mahama.
Ahmed Ibrahim urged the government to prioritize sanitation efforts, citing the October 2023 cholera outbreak in Cape Coast, Winneba, and Takoradi as an example of the risks associated with poor waste management.
He also called for intensified public education on sanitation risks to prevent future health crises.
The revelation of the GH¢1.2 billion debt raises critical questions about the sustainability of Ghana’s waste management system and the government’s ability to settle financial obligations to private service providers.
The government’s next steps in addressing this financial burden will be crucial in ensuring continued waste management services across the country.
Source: MyJoyOnline