The Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, has vowed not to renew the existing contract between the agency and waste management giant Zoomlion Ghana Limited unless significant revisions are made to address transparency, efficiency, and value-for-money concerns.
In a candid interaction with journalists at a press briefing on Monday, Basintale said the current structure of the sanitation module partnership with Zoomlion does not reflect the interests of the state or the youth employed under it.
Raising Concerns About Value for Money
“As it stands now, I will not renew the Zoomlion contract in its current state,”
— Basintale stated firmly.
“We must realign the contract to ensure proper supervision, accountability, and fair wages for the workers.”
The YEA boss emphasized that although the partnership has created thousands of jobs, particularly in the sanitation sector, the terms of engagement are outdated and opaque, calling for a total review before any extension is considered.
Calls for Reform from Civil Society
Basintale’s remarks resonate with growing calls from civil society organizations, including the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) and IMANI Africa, who have often criticized the longstanding contract for lacking transparency and public oversight.
Zoomlion Yet to Respond
As of the time of publication, Zoomlion Ghana Limited had not issued a response. However, insiders say the company is open to dialogue and possible renegotiation of terms.
What Happens Next
With the contract set to expire soon, many are closely watching how this standoff will play out. Analysts say a restructured deal could pave the way for better remuneration, digital monitoring systems, and a more sustainable sanitation initiative that benefits both the environment and Ghana’s youth.
Public Reactions Stir on Social Media
Ghanaians have taken to social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), to praise Basintale for his bold stance. Hashtags like #ZoomlionContract, #MalikBasintale, and #YEAReform are trending:
“Finally, someone is putting Ghana first!”
“We’ve been calling for this change for years. Kudos to the YEA CEO.”
Others, however, are calling for immediate publication of the full contract terms and audits into past payments.
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