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Zoomlion executive proposes household waste levy to boost collection efficiency
Managing Director of Zoomlion Private Services, Doris Kwekwor Adjei, has called for the introduction of a household waste levy to improve Ghana’s waste collection system.
She believes the new approach will help address payment challenges faced by waste management companies and ensure more efficient service delivery.
Mrs. Adjei suggested that Ghana could adopt Singapore’s model, where the government collects waste fees directly from residents and pays contractors afterward.
“It’s a very brilliant system they have in Singapore which makes their waste contractors more effective. The government takes payments directly from citizens and then pays the contractors at the end of the month. This is supported by proper tracking systems that record the tonnage of waste collected,” she explained.
She further proposed that the levy could be added to existing utility bills, such as electricity or water, to make payment more convenient for residents and reduce the burden on contractors.
“Instead of waste companies going door to door to collect fees, government can take it up, add it to citizens’ bills, and pay the contractors directly. This will help us work more efficiently and improve waste management across the country,” she said.
Mrs. Adjei emphasised that government support will be essential in implementing such a system, which she believes could significantly enhance sanitation in Ghana’s cities and communities.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Minority in Parliament has strongly objected to any planned merger or partnership between the government and Telecel, describing the deal as “technically, operationally, and financially unconscionable.”
Ranking Member on the Communications Committee, Matthew Nyindam, raised the concern during a media briefing in Parliament.
He questioned why both the Minister of Communications and Telecel would publicly announce a merger and then suddenly go silent on the matter.
“We object to any deal with Telecel by way of merger, absorption, or acquisition. This is a scheme to dispose of a national asset to fill private pockets,” Mr. Nyindam stated.
He argued that Telecel has not demonstrated any special technical or operational expertise that staff and management of AT (formerly AirtelTigo) do not already possess.
According to him, Telecel had earlier promised to invest $500 million after acquiring Vodafone Ghana but failed to do so, a situation he fears could repeat itself if the government allows another deal.
Mr. Nyindam claimed that Telecel was already indebted to the tune of $400 million, adding that the company only seeks to benefit from AT’s over three million customers to expand its own base without making any real investment.
“The government must not surrender the capacity of a state-owned company to a private entity through majority ownership. There is no clear plan to protect the jobs and livelihoods of thousands of workers,” he stressed.
The Minority Caucus is therefore calling on the government to halt any discussions or agreements with Telecel regarding the proposed merger, insisting that the deal is not in the national interest.
Flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bryan Acheampong, has called for an emergency 90-day suspension of all forms of mining in Ghana to help restore polluted rivers and water bodies.
He made the call during his campaign tour, where he engaged party members and residents on issues of national concern, including security, the environment, and responsible mining.
Mr Acheampong explained that the temporary ban should take place during the rainy season to allow the environment to recover naturally while the nation rethinks its mining practices.
“Let’s clear our water bodies and engage on how we can go back to mining. I’m not talking about a state of emergency, but mining, regardless of where, should stop now for the next 90 days,” he said.
He warned that illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, continues to poison food sources and destroy farmlands, posing a major threat to public health and food security.
“If our food systems are being poisoned and we just look on because we prefer to make money, our people will not be around in a very short time to address the situation,” he cautioned.
Mr Acheampong urged government, miners, and local leaders to use the proposed 90-day period to develop a sustainable framework for responsible mining that protects both livelihoods and the environment.
By: Jacob Aggrey
