Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has uncovered disturbing facts about the plight of sweepers employed by Zoom Lion Ghana Limited, a government-contracted waste management company. In a recent interview on Starr Chat with Bola Ray, Awuni revealed that these workers are not covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and do not receive any additional incentives.
“They have no health insurance. If you go there, then you die. If you go there, you get sick. You have no health insurance,” Awuni stated, underscoring the severe conditions under which these workers operate.
Adding to the alarming situation, Awuni disclosed that the sweepers are paid a mere 250 Ghana cedis per month, a figure that is significantly below the minimum wage. According to Awuni, while the contract stipulates that workers should be paid 850 Ghana cedis per month, Zoom Lion retains 600 cedis and hands only 250 cedis to the workers.
Awuni emphasized that he possesses evidence to back his claims, including responses from Zoom Lion Ghana Ltd.
The journalist also brought to light a letter from the Mayor of Accra, Madam Elizabeth Sackey, who had written to the Youth Employment Agency. In the letter, the mayor expressed concerns about the increasing filth in the city, attributing it to the sweepers’ absence due to their inadequate pay.
“I have evidence to support that Kofi went to the national security minister, Albert Kandapa, to say that this is a problem I’m facing. This contract is bad. I’m trying to do it,” Awuni added, highlighting the ongoing struggle for better conditions for these workers.
