The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus in Parliament has distanced itself from any perceived involvement in the sanitation contract between the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and waste management firm Zoomlion.
In a strongly worded statement issued by Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, the Caucus declared that neither it nor the Sanitation Committee of Parliament has attempted to influence or intervene in the YEA’s contractual decisions.
“The Chairman of the Committee has reported to me that, contrary to media reports, neither he nor any committee member, has attempted to do any such thing”
Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader
This comes amid growing public speculation and media commentary suggesting that members of Parliament may have played a role in defending the contract arrangement between the YEA and Zoomlion, a partnership that has historically drawn scrutiny over issues of cost and transparency.
According to the statement, the Chairman of the Sanitation Committee has confirmed that no such effort has been made by the committee or its members to interfere with the Zoomlion – YEA contract.
“Any comments made by any member of the Sanitation Committee which appears to defend Zoomlion’s sanitation contract with YEA should be ignored by YEA or the public as they do not represent the decision or opinion of the Committee or Parliament”
Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader
This caution against the public and relevant agencies attaching any weight to individual statements by committee members that appear to support the sanitation contract comes to establish the parliament’s position, which is one of non-interference.
This disclaimer is intended to separate official parliamentary positions from personal opinions that may have been expressed in public discourse by MPs.
Exercise Autonomy
The Majority Leader also advised Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) not to yield to pressure from any authority when it comes to contracting sanitation services.
He stressed that under current budgetary allocations endorsed by President John Dramani Mahama, MMDAs now have the autonomy to determine how to use their resources.
“In the last session of Parliament, the House implemented the directive of President John Dramani Mahama that 80% of the Common Fund should be delivered directly to the Assemblies and, as such, the Assemblies are independent to decide their development priorities”
Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader
The statement underscores the government’s stance on decentralisation and local decision-making as key pillars of development under President Mahama’s current administration.
Hon. Ayariga’s remarks are expected to reassure stakeholders that decisions regarding sanitation service providers will remain within the purview of local authorities.
Political Sensitivity
The NDC’s statement is seen by some political observers as a proactive move to ward off accusations of impropriety or conflict of interest, particularly given long-standing public debate over the nature and terms of government contracts with Zoomlion.
Critics have previously raised questions about the cost-effectiveness of such contracts and the transparency of the processes that produce them.
However, by clearly asserting non-interference, the NDC seeks to reinforce its commitment to institutional accountability and legal due process.
The Majority Leader’s appeal for independence in contract decision-making is likely to resonate with Assembly leaders navigating political and administrative pressure.
Under President Mahama’s leadership, decentralisation and efficient public service delivery remain priorities, and this statement appears to align with that governance agenda.
The clear message from Parliament’s Majority side is that local institutions must act with confidence, free from influence, and in alignment with the needs of their respective jurisdictions.
“No Metropolitan, Municipal or District Assembly should in any form or manner allow itself to be intimidated by any authority to enter into any sanitation contract with any particular company”
Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader
As Ghana continues to grapple with waste management and employment creation simultaneously, the role of organisations like Zoomlion remains important but also politically sensitive.
The NDC’s effort to clarify its position reflects both the public scrutiny that surrounds such partnerships and the strategic need to maintain transparency in public sector operations.
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