Zoomlion Rejects Auditor-General’s Claims Over African Games Sanitation Contracts

Zoomlion Ghana Limited has rejected allegations by the Auditor-General concerning alleged irregularities in sanitation and vector control contracts executed during the 13th African Games, insisting the findings are inaccurate and based on a misunderstanding of its operations.

In a statement issued by the company’s Corporate Communications Directorate, Zoomlion described claims of duplicated labour charges, undefined service costs, and lack of detailed billing as “untrue,” arguing that the audit failed to distinguish between separate contracts covering janitorial and vector control services.

According to the company, vector control operations including fumigation and pest management targeting mosquitoes, rodents, reptiles, and cockroaches were executed independently from janitorial services such as waste collection, washroom sanitation, and cleaning of spectator stands.

Zoomlion explained that both service categories operated under different teams, schedules, equipment, and contractual arrangements, stressing that labour charges reflected separate operational units rather than duplicated costs.

The company further stated that all invoices were supported by detailed contracts and service level agreements which clearly outlined the scope of work, performance standards, frequency of services, and geographical coverage.

It added that the sanitation operation involved over 30 different activities, including waste segregation, mechanical sweeping, disinfection, mobile toilet operations, medical waste treatment, cesspit management, and water supply services.

Zoomlion also highlighted the extensive deployment of equipment and logistics across major venues such as the Accra Sports Stadium, Borteyman Sports Complex, Achimota Cricket Oval, and Bukom Boxing Arena.

The company said it mobilised compaction trucks, thermal fogging machines, medical waste vehicles, vacuum systems, mobile sanitation units, industrial cleaning equipment, and hundreds of waste bins, alongside detergents, disinfectants, and protective gear.

According to Zoomlion, all relevant records including contracts, invoices, supervision logs, and deployment reports were submitted to the Ministry of Sports and other supervising state agencies, and were available to the Auditor-General during the audit process.

The company also noted that more than 350 personnel underwent training at the Army Peace Operations Training School before the Games in areas such as waste management, occupational safety, vector control, and conflict resolution.

Zoomlion maintained that sanitation services were delivered continuously throughout the 31-day period of the Games without interruption, adding that no sanitation-related disease outbreaks or major failures were recorded during the event.

The company concluded by reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, accountability, and integrity in public service delivery, while insisting that its operations during the African Games were structured, compliant, and fully documented.