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 absence of itemised bills of quantities in invoices related to cleaning and vector control services during the 13th African Games.
The company strongly refutes these allegations, describing them as untrue and based on a misinterpretation of operational realities, contractual distinctions, and already available documentation provided to the Auditor-General and relevant state institutions at the material time.
No duplication of labour charges – separate contracts and operations
Zoomlion explains that the Auditor-General’s report incorrectly conflates 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 treatment of rodents, reptiles, and cockroaches using specialised equipment and trained personnel. Janitorial services, on the other hand, covered daily cleaning duties including waste collection, mopping, disinfection, toilet maintenance, and general sanitation of event venues.
The company emphasised that “labour” charges appearing in both sets of invoices do not represent duplication but reflect separate workforce deployments assigned to different contracts, schedules, and technical tasks.
“Services” charges defined under contractual agreements
Zoomlion further stated that all invoices are supported by legally binding contracts and service level agreements that clearly define the scope of “Services.” These include task frequencies, coverage areas, and performance standards.
The company noted that the services rendered spanned more than 30 operational activities, including 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
Management also clarified that all equipment and consumables deployed during the African Games were fully recorded 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 conducted 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 exist and were made available to relevant authorities.
Audit documentation already submitted
Zoomlion maintains that all relevant documentation—including contracts, invoices, service schedules, daily supervision logs, and equipment deployment records—were duly submitted to the Ministry of Sports and other responsible state institutions overseeing the African Games.
The company argues that the Auditor-General had access to all required records at the time of review and could have verified the accuracy and completeness of the invoices against 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 commenced.
A structured shift system ensured 24-hour service delivery across all venues. Over 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 during the Games, contributing to reduced environmental impact. It also noted that no sanitation-related disease outbreaks or operational failures were recorded during the event period.
Conclusion
Zoomlion Ghana Limited categorically denies the allegations contained in the Auditor-General’s findings as reported in the media.
The company maintains that it operates as a responsible corporate entity committed to high standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability, and insists that all services rendered during the 13th African Games were properly executed, documented, and contractually justified.
