The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has announced plans to increase the salaries of workers at Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a leading waste management company. This move comes in response to long-standing concerns raised by employees over poor conditions of service.
Government Engages YEA to Address Workers’ Welfare
Speaking in an exclusive interview on 3FM Sunrise on March 18, the minister, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Banda, disclosed that he had initiated discussions with the Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) regarding salary increments for Zoomlion workers.
“I have engaged with the CEO of the Youth Employment Agency to see how we can increase the salaries of Zoomlion workers,” he stated, reaffirming his commitment to improving the welfare of sanitation workers.
Reforms in Ghana’s Waste Management Sector
Ahmed Ibrahim also emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing waste disposal and sanitation practices across the country. He revealed plans to reintroduce the “town council summon summon” system, a once-effective strategy aimed at holding individuals and organizations accountable for poor sanitation practices.
“We are re-introducing the town council ‘summon summon’ and will reform Zoomlion to meet the growing demand for sanitation,” he stressed.
Zoomlion’s Impact on Ghana’s Waste Management
Over the years, Zoomlion Ghana Limited has played a transformative role in Ghana’s sanitation sector, providing Integrated Waste Management Solutions that cover every stage of waste handling—from collection, haulage, and transfer to sorting, recycling, and final disposal.
Despite its contributions to public health, environmental sustainability, and urban sanitation, concerns have persisted regarding low salaries and inadequate working conditions for field operatives, who are essential to maintaining cleanliness in communities.
The Road Ahead
While the government’s intervention offers hope for better remuneration, questions remain about the timeline for implementation and whether the salary increments will be substantial enough to address workers’ grievances. Additionally, the planned reforms in sanitation policies could reshape Ghana’s waste management system, with Zoomlion expected to play a central role in ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment.
As discussions progress between the government, Zoomlion, and the YEA, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if these promises translate into tangible improvements for workers and the overall waste management sector.
