Zoomlion Ghana Limited has firmly rejected allegations from the Auditor-General concerning irregularities in cleaning and vector control services for the 13th African Games. The company described these claims as “untrue” and results of misinterpreting its operational framework. Zoomlion stated that the Auditor-General's observations incorrectly merged two separate service streams under distinct contracts.
The sanitation firm specifically denied accusations of duplicated labour charges, unclear cost captions listed as “Services,” and missing itemised bills of quantities in its submitted invoices. Zoomlion clarified that vector control, covering pest management, and janitorial services, involving daily cleaning and waste removal, were entirely separate. Both services operated with different teams, schedules, and equipment, confirming legitimate labour deployments across independent units.
This dispute highlights ongoing scrutiny over public spending related to major national events in Ghana. Such expenditure frequently draws attention due to concerns about efficiency and accountability. Data from the Ministry of Finance consistently shows a need for rigorous oversight in government contracting to ensure value for money. Transparency in public contracts remains a key focus for organisations like Transparency International Ghana and the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, given past issues with procurement processes.
In a detailed statement, Zoomlion’s Corporate Communications Directorate asserted that all its invoices were grounded in comprehensive contracts and service level agreements. These agreements clearly defined the scope, frequency, geographical reach, and performance benchmarks for over 30 activities. These activities included waste segregation, mechanical sweeping, disinfection, and providing hygiene materials.
What happens next involves further clarification from both Zoomlion and the Auditor-General’s office. Stakeholders, including the Ministry of Youth and Sports, will likely review the contractual and audit frameworks supporting the African Games’ sanitation operations. Financial markets and public observers will watch for resolutions to these allegations, as they can affect public trust in government procurement and contractors. Clear accountability is essential for future major public events.
Zoomlion also highlighted its significant logistical deployment across various venues, including the Accra Sports Stadium and Borteyman Sports Complex. The company deployed compaction trucks, medical waste vehicles, thermal fogging machines, and hundreds of waste bins. It also noted the provision of consumables such as detergents and disinfectants. Zoomlion stressed that full records of equipment and consumables exist and are available for verification.
The company maintains that it provided all relevant documentation, including invoices, contracts, and daily supervision logs, to the Ministry of Sports. Zoomlion pointed out that the Auditor-General had full access to these records at the time. It believes there was ample opportunity to verify the accuracy of all transactions.
Zoomlion stated its operations ran continuously from March 1 to April 1, 2024, offering 24-hour coverage during the 31-day event. This included preparatory activities before the Games began. The company trained over 350 personnel at the Army Peace Operations Training School in waste management and vector control. Zoomlion highlighted that no sanitation failures or disease outbreaks occurred during the African Games period, further underscoring its operational effectiveness.