Management of Zoomlion Ghana Limited has taken note of recent media reports referencing findings by the Auditor-General concerning alleged duplication of labour charges, undefined “Services” cost heads, and the absence of itemised bills of quantities in invoices related to cleaning and vector control services during the 13th African Games.
The company strongly rejects these allegations, describing them as inaccurate and based on a misunderstanding of operational realities, contractual distinctions, and documentation already submitted to the Auditor-General and relevant state institutions at the material time.
No duplication of labour charges — separate contracts and operations
Zoomlion explained that the Auditor-General’s report incorrectly merges two distinct service streams: vector control services and janitorial cleaning services.
According to management, vector control operations focused on pest management activities such as mosquito control, fogging, and the treatment of rodents, reptiles, and cockroaches using specialised equipment and trained personnel. Janitorial services, on the other hand, involved daily cleaning activities including waste collection, mopping, disinfection, toilet maintenance, and the general sanitation of event venues.
The company emphasised that “labour” charges appearing in both sets of invoices do not amount to duplication, but rather reflect separate workforce deployments assigned to different contracts, schedules, and technical responsibilities.
“Services” charges defined under contractual agreements
Zoomlion further stated that all invoices were backed by legally binding contracts and service-level agreements that clearly defined the scope of “Services,” including task frequencies, coverage areas, and performance standards.
Management noted that the services rendered covered more than 30 operational activities, including the daily emptying of colour-coded waste bins, mechanical sweeping, vacuum cleaning, removal of cobwebs and stains, provision of sanitary consumables such as soap and toilet rolls, management of mobile toilets, medical waste treatment, and water supply alongside cesspit emptying.
Equipment and consumables fully documented
The company also clarified that all equipment and consumables deployed during the African Games were properly documented and traceable. These included compaction trucks, medical waste vehicles, thermal foggers, knapsack sprayers, industrial floor scrubbers, vacuum cleaners, buffer machines, mobile toilets, PPE, and sanitation chemicals.
Operations were carried out across four key venues: the Accra Sports Stadium, Borteyman Sports Complex, Achimota Cricket Oval, and Bukom Trust Emporium. According to Zoomlion, detailed line-item breakdowns of equipment usage and deployment were available and had been submitted to the relevant authorities.
Audit documentation already submitted
Zoomlion maintained that all relevant documentation — including contracts, invoices, service schedules, daily supervision logs, and equipment deployment records — had been duly submitted to the Ministry of Sports and other responsible state institutions overseeing the African Games.
The company argued that the Auditor-General had access to all necessary records during the review process and could have verified the accuracy and completeness of the invoices against actual operational delivery.
24/7 operations with trained personnel and no service failures
The company further highlighted that sanitation and vector control services were delivered continuously from 1st March to 1st April 2024, covering 31 days of uninterrupted operations, including preparatory activities before the Games officially commenced.
A structured shift system ensured 24-hour service delivery across all venues. More than 350 personnel were trained between 4th and 24th February 2024 at the Army Peace Operations Training School in waste management, vector control, occupational health and safety, and conflict resolution.
Zoomlion added that waste segregation practices were implemented throughout the Games, contributing to reduced environmental impact. The company also noted that no sanitation-related disease outbreaks or operational failures were recorded during the event period.
Conclusion
Zoomlion Ghana Limited categorically denied the allegations contained in the Auditor-General’s findings as reported in the media.
The company maintained that it operates as a responsible corporate entity committed to high standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability, insisting that all services rendered during the 13th African Games were properly executed, documented, and contractually justified.
