Zoomlion Ghana Limited has strongly rejected findings by the Auditor-General alleging duplication of labour charges, undefined service costs and lack of itemised billing in contracts related to cleaning and vector control services during the 13th African Games.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, May 27, the waste management company described the allegations as “untrue,” insisting that the audit findings misrepresented the nature of the services provided under separate contracts.
According to Zoomlion, the Auditor-General wrongly combined vector control operations such as fogging and mosquito control with janitorial services including daily cleaning, waste evacuation and toilet maintenance.
“The report wrongly mixes vector control services with janitorial services. These are separate contracts with different teams, equipment and schedules,” the company stated.
Zoomlion explained that labour charges appearing in both invoices reflected costs associated with distinct operations and did not amount to duplication.
The company further argued that all service charges captured under “Services” were clearly defined in contracts and service level agreements submitted to the relevant authorities.
It noted that the scope of work covered more than 30 activities, including waste collection, mechanical sweeping, vacuum cleaning, provision of sanitary supplies, medical waste treatment and water supply services.
Management also disclosed that a wide range of equipment and consumables were deployed across four competition venues — the Accra Sports Stadium, Borteyman Sports Complex, Achimota Cricket Oval and Bukom Trust Emporium.
These, it said, included compaction trucks, medical waste trucks, thermal foggers, floor scrubbing machines, mobile toilets, colour-coded waste bins and personal protective equipment.
Zoomlion maintained that all supporting documentation, including invoices, contracts, supervision logs and equipment deployment records, had been made available to the Ministry of Sports and other relevant state institutions, stressing that the Auditor-General had access to the records during the audit process.
The company also highlighted that sanitation and vector control services were delivered continuously from March 1 to April 1, 2024, covering the period before and during the Games.
It added that more than 350 personnel underwent training at the Army Peace Operations Training School ahead of the tournament in areas such as waste management, vector control, health and safety, and conflict resolution.
According to Zoomlion, the event recorded no sanitation failures or disease outbreaks throughout the competition period.
The company concluded by reaffirming its commitment to integrity, professionalism and accountability in its operations.
“Zoomlion unequivocally denies these allegations. The company is a responsible corporate entity that upholds the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability in all its dealings,” the statement said.