Members of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources have commended Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of Companies, for its significant investment in the country’s sanitation sector.
During a tour of the company’s state-of-the-art Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP) at Adjen Kotoku in Accra on April 23, 2025, the committee members praised Zoomlion’s commitment to improving sanitation in Ghana.
The visit formed part of the committee’s mandate to explore ways Ghana can effectively address its sanitation challenges.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the tour, the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. John Oti Bless, said:
“I am truly impressed by the level of investment that has gone into these major companies.”
He noted that Zoomlion’s contributions to sanitation management have been commendable, with its facilities functioning effectively.
“We’ve seen significant progress since 2000, and especially from 2004,” he added.
However, he pointed out that the current challenge lies in implementing effective sanitation practices in streets and communities.
“We want to see stronger action where it matters most — in the streets and communities,” he emphasised.
While acknowledging existing sanitation issues requiring urgent attention, Mr. Oti Bless said after visiting ACARP and other modern facilities such as Sewerage Systems Ghana Limited (SSGL), committee members were convinced that the necessary capacity exists. However, the major constraint is funding.
He revealed that the government owes service providers like Zoomlion about GHS 1.2 billion and said the committee was working to ensure prompt payments.
“About GHS 13 billion has been budgeted for this purpose, and we expect prompt action,” he disclosed.
“Zoomlion hasn’t received payments from the government for the past two years. How can a company function effectively without resources?” he quizzed.
Mr. Oti Bless also called for the establishment of a dedicated sanitation fund, intensified public education campaigns, and the enforcement of local bylaws.
“Sanitation is a daily necessity that requires a dedicated source of funding,” he argued.
“If 40 pesewas is being raised through the levy, 20 pesewas should go to sanitation while the other 20 pesewas goes to energy. This will bring real change,” he recommended.
He added that his committee plans to work with the media to promote public awareness and support for sanitation initiatives.
“We must ensure the enforcement of local bylaws. Many district assemblies’ bye-laws are not gazetted, which renders them unenforceable,” he stated.
Mr. Oti Bless, who is also the MP for Nkwanta North in the Oti Region, lauded Zoomlion’s innovation and productivity, including its production of tricycles, waste processing, and furniture.
“We urge Ghanaians and civil society to support and buy local products from Zoomlion,” he encouraged.
“This fight is about public health. It’s not about individuals or politics — it concerns every Ghanaian.”
He assured the public that the committee is committed to delivering positive change in Ghana’s sanitation sector.
“We have hit the ground running, and we will not stop until the right things are done,” he declared.
Earlier, in a presentation, the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, appealed to the committee to help ensure sanitation and environmental bylaws are enforced and offenders prosecuted.
“What we [Zoomlion] do here goes beyond just cleaning,” he said.
“We are tackling cholera, environmental issues, and even tourism-related concerns, all while improving public health and sanitation infrastructure.”
Dr. Agyepong emphasised the far-reaching benefits of a clean environment, saying:
“A clean and safe environment can significantly extend people’s lives.”
He also lamented the lack of incentives and recognition for the work being done in the sanitation sector.
“The work we do often lacks the recognition it deserves, which is quite discouraging,” he noted.
One key issue he highlighted was the high taxes imposed on essential equipment.
“We are currently engaging in discussions about the taxes imposed on some of our equipment, and we kindly appeal to the members present to take up this matter on our behalf,” he requested.
Dr. Agyepong expressed confidence that with the right support, Zoomlion could contribute even more to Ghana’s development.
“Your support can help us do even more for the country,” he concluded.
READ ALSO: