Zoomlion Ghana Limited has revealed that in 2024, it submitted a proposal to the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) to increase the allowances of beneficiaries from GH¢280 to GH¢420.
According to Zoomlion, the widely criticized low allowances for beneficiaries remain a topic of ongoing negotiations. While Zoomlion proposed GH¢420, the Youth Employment Agency has countered with a pegged increment of GH¢300.
This clarification was made in a statement issued in response to public criticism regarding Zoomlion’s contract with the Youth Employment Agency, which currently faces uncertainty over renewal due to concerns about unfair remuneration for beneficiaries.
Zoomlion stated that it has consistently advocated for increased allowances for beneficiaries since 2006, despite the fact that the YEA is solely responsible for determining the amounts.
Between 2006 and 2014, Zoomlion pushed for an increase in allowances from GH¢50 to GH¢100. Later, between 2019 and 2022, the company proposed an upward adjustment to GH¢180 and contributed to the current increment of GH¢258.
“Though the monthly allowance of the beneficiaries is determined by YEA, Zoomlion has consistently advocated for its increment since 2006 and remains committed to doing so. The company proposed increments in the past from GH¢50 in 2006–2014 to GH¢100, then to GH¢180 from 2019–2022, and to the current GH¢258,” the statement read.
Zoomlion further clarified that the Youth Employment Agency is responsible for recruiting beneficiaries, assigning them unique identification numbers, and managing their database. Therefore, Zoomlion plays no role in determining the number of beneficiaries it works with.
“Clause 1.5 of the contract states that YEA is responsible for the recruitment of beneficiaries, whose names shall be submitted to Zoomlion Ghana Limited. By reason of such submission, Zoomlion shall perform its obligations accordingly. The database is managed by YEA, which assigns unique identification numbers indicated on beneficiaries’ appointment letters. All additions or removals are effected by the YEA through formal correspondence and administrative procedures. Accordingly, Zoomlion has no role in the recruitment process,” the statement explained.
The company also highlighted that it pays GH¢600 to beneficiaries who work overtime, while continuing to bear the operational, administrative, and infrastructural costs of the program. It takes responsibility for beneficiary welfare, including issues related to accidents, injury, or death.
In addition, Zoomlion noted its investment in environmental infrastructure, having built 36 waste treatment facilities in under 20 years. The company has evolved from merely collecting municipal solid waste to value-added processing, establishing 18 Material Recovery and Waste Treatment Plants that recycle organic waste into compost for the agricultural sector.