The Tano South Municipal Assembly (TSMA) has initiated a pilot program to augment its daily cleaning efforts, utilizing a limited number of casual workers, following the recent cessation of the government contract with Zoomlion Ghana Limited, effective immediately following the expiration of the previous sanitation arrangement. This initiative follows a concerning trend of significant uncleanliness across the municipality, particularly in public spaces like streets, market centers, and bus terminals, which have experienced a drastic decline in sanitation due to the absence of Zoomlion’s dedicated sanitation staff. The situation has been exacerbated by a severe shortage of sanitation personnel, a direct consequence of Zoomlion’s exit from the contract.
Speaking on Saturday, August 22nd, during a joint cleanup exercise organized by the Bechem Homecoming Festival 2026 organizers, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Emmanuel Kwame Frimpong highlighted the immediate need for this expansion of personnel. He stated that while the number of casual workers involved is limited, the addition of these individuals represents a critical step to maintain basic sanitation standards. He noted that while the casual workers are few and inadequate, the assembly’s decision to proactively engage them is a strategic move to address the critical labor deficit.
To permanently remedy the situation, the MCE assured residents that plans are actively underway to recruit additional casual staff under the Sanitation Component of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) next year. He emphasized that this represents a significant shift in the TSMA’s approach to waste management, recognizing the long-term implications of this situation. Specifically, the MCE emphasized that while monthly cleanups remain invaluable, daily cleaning remains the most effective practice for sustainable waste management.
He stressed that environmental protection, sanitation, and health are shared responsibilities essential for mitigating the spread of diseases and safeguarding the workforce’s well-being, directly contributing to economic growth and revenue generation. The municipal environmental health officer, James Oware, underscored that the current worker shortage is significantly impacting Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices across the local communities.
While acknowledging the assembly’s initial plan to expand casual staffing next year, Mr. Oware appealed to the central government to grant financial and policy clearances to allow local assemblies to hire adequate, full-time sanitation personnel. He further cautioned that Zoomlion’s exit has placed immense pressure on the assembly’s limited casual staff, making official government authorization to hire permanent workers a critical milestone towards fixing the municipality’s sanitation issues. The Tano South Municipal Assembly’s initiative directly aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) 3, focusing on Good Health and Well-being, 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation, 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, and 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities, aiming to prevent environmental degradation in major public markets and transit hubs. The implementation of this plan has significant long-term financial and macroeconomic benefits for Ghana, including reduced burden on public healthcare infrastructure, boosting internal revenue collection, and creating sustainable municipal job opportunities for local youth.
Furthermore, the incident involving the immigration officer, killed, and critically injured in a fatal crash at Assin Fosu, has prompted the Foreign Affairs Ministry to call for articles on Ghana’s reparatory justice agenda. The situation underscores a critical challenge facing the nation, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and restorative justice.
This situation is a direct result of the Zoomlion’s exit, placing immense pressure on the assembly’s limited casual staff. It highlights the importance of a robust and sustainable sanitation infrastructure for the long-term prosperity of the Tano South Municipal Assembly and the broader Ghanaian economy.”
Watch Related Video
Source: Adom Online
