Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Executive Chairman of Jospong Group, has provided context to the ongoing discussion about sanitation workers’ compensation, clarifying that the GH¢258 payment constitutes an allowance rather than a full salary.
His remarks came during an appearance before Parliament’s Select Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources.
“The payment structure is determined by government agencies, not Zoomlion,” Dr. Agyepong explained. “We serve as implementation partners for a service that typically requires only three to four hours of daily work. When calculated against the national minimum wage for those hours, the compensation is appropriate.”
The business leader emphasized that Zoomlion provides additional benefits beyond contractual obligations, including skills development programs and healthcare coverage. The company has facilitated career progression for some staff, with former motorcycle riders transitioning to accounting roles and others receiving international training opportunities in China.
Addressing payment delays, Dr. Agyepong revealed operational challenges caused by government arrears: “We maintained services despite two years of unpaid contracts because waste management is critical to public health.” He appealed for increased sector investment, noting the high operational costs of round-the-clock sanitation services and rapid equipment depreciation.
This clarification comes amid growing public scrutiny of working conditions in Ghana’s sanitation sector. While the allowance explanation provides context, it raises broader questions about compensation standards for essential public health services. The discussion highlights the tension between fiscal constraints and the need for adequate remuneration in critical service sectors.
Industry analysts note that the sanitation workforce plays a vital role in disease prevention and environmental management, particularly in urban areas. The current debate may prompt reevaluation of compensation frameworks for such essential services, balancing economic realities with worker welfare considerations. Dr. Agyepong’s testimony underscores the complex financial dynamics underlying Ghana’s waste management ecosystem.
