Emma Adwoa Appiah Osei-Duah, the Director of Communication and Corporate Affairs at Zoomlion Ghana Limited, clarified the reason sanitation workers under the company’s contract receive a monthly allowance of GH₵258. Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Osei-Duah explained that Zoomlion does not unilaterally decide the salaries for sweepers. She noted that the frequently mentioned figure of GH₵600 in public discussion does not solely go towards salaries or company profits.
“There is a discussion after the submission of proposals, and both parties agree on an appropriate amount for each aspect of the contract,” she stated. “Zoomlion doesn’t dictate how the money is allocated.” She further explained that the GH₵600 is not a lump sum meant exclusively for salaries; instead, it encompasses two main components: logistics and a management fee.
“A portion of it is allocated for logistics—things like tools, protective clothing, and other consumables—and a part goes into the management fee. The management fee is around GH₵160, though I don’t have the exact figure,” she noted. Regarding logistics, she explained that some items, referred to as “consumables,” are not supplied monthly but rather quarterly or as needed.
“We don’t go to the market every month. We are a business, so we buy in bulk, stock our stores, and supply quarterly or whenever necessary,” she said. Responding to concerns about the low wages paid to sweepers, Madam Osei-Duah said Zoomlion has, on several occasions, proposed upward adjustments to the allowances.
I have previously run operations at Zoomlion, which means I have worked directly with these individuals. I can confirm that we have proposed several times to adjust these funds upward. Anytime there has been a change in the allowances for these workers, we have initiated the discussion,” she stated. However, she emphasized that her personal opinion regarding the GH₵258 amount is irrelevant in the context of contractual obligations. “Whether I am satisfied with the current payment or not is not pertinent here because the contract does not belong to me. I am assigned to work under specific directives, so I focus on fulfilling those responsibilities,” she added.
By: Clara Seshie
