
The Jospong Group, led by Joseph Siaw Agyepong, has been touted as a pioneer in Ghana’s waste management sector, particularly through its Zoomlion subsidiary. At the 10th anniversary durbar of Zoomlion, Agyepong announced the distribution of 200,000 free waste bins to households, with a vision to distribute one million by 2017. However, a closer look at the contract reveals a different narrative.
The contract for the one million waste bins and 900,000 disposable bin liners was sole-sourced and awarded to five companies within the Jospong Group, totaling $74.04 million ($60 million for the bins and $14.04 million for the liners). This raises questions about the true nature of the “free” waste bins and the extent of state funding involved.
Critics argue that the sole-sourced contract and the massive funding allocated to the Jospong Group’s companies undermine the transparency and accountability of the waste management sector. The fact that the state is funding these deals has sparked debate about the role of private companies in public service delivery.
Despite the controversy, Zoomlion’s anniversary celebration drew high-profile attendees, including President John Mahama and other government officials. The event was seen as an opportunity for Agyepong to showcase his company’s achievements and vision for Ghana’s waste management sector.
The distribution of waste bins, while beneficial to households, has been overshadowed by concerns about the contract’s terms and the involvement of state funding. As Ghana continues to grapple with waste management challenges, the role of private companies like Jospong Group and the transparency of their contracts will remain a topic of discussion.
The Jospong Group’s influence in Ghana’s waste management sector is significant, and its relationship with government officials has raised eyebrows. As the country moves forward, ensuring transparency and accountability in public-private partnerships will be crucial to delivering effective and sustainable waste management solutions.
Story by: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku