Labour Minister backs Zoomlion as key player in 24-Hour Economy agenda
The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Rashid Pelpuo, has identified private sector sanitation companies as central to the success of the government’s proposed 24-hour economy policy, describing Zoomlion Ghana Limited as a model enterprise capable of driving employment and national productivity.
Dr Pelpuo made the remarks during a working visit to the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP) on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The visit was aimed at familiarising himself with the facility’s operations, expansion plans and overall contribution to economic development.
The engagement formed part of the government’s broader reset agenda, which seeks to strengthen labour conditions, enhance worker welfare and deepen private sector participation in Ghana’s economic transformation.
Explaining the purpose of the visit, the Minister said it was important for government to better understand the realities of the waste management sector, including occupational hazards and the operational constraints faced by businesses.
“We are keen to understand how this work affects the working population,” he said. “We want to assess occupational hazards, the welfare of workers, and the operational challenges businesses face. Government remains committed to supporting private enterprises to grow and create sustainable jobs.”
He stressed that waste management companies serve a dual purpose — protecting public health while generating large-scale employment. In that context, he linked the sector directly to the administration’s 24-hour economy vision, under which businesses capable of sustaining continuous operations are expected to receive targeted support.
“The government is committed to creating value and supporting private businesses, especially under the 24-hour economy framework. Zoomlion is a strong example of the type of organisation we are looking to support, and this visit helps us better appreciate the scale of their work,” he noted.
Dr Pelpuo added that initiatives prioritising worker safety, environmental sustainability and job creation align with the government’s transformation agenda.
“We are not pushing people to rush into waste management, but we will provide incentives for those willing to invest in the sector. Zoomlion is doing remarkable work and has enormous potential,” he said.
The Minister disclosed that Zoomlion’s nationwide operations and subsidiaries have contributed significantly to youth employment, estimating that about 200,000 Ghanaians have benefited from opportunities created across the sanitation value chain. He suggested that facilities such as ACARP could benefit from policies designed to increase productivity through round-the-clock operations.
“We are pursuing a reset agenda while supporting the 24-hour economy to function effectively. Organisations such as Zoomlion represent areas where government support can have significant national impact,” he stated.
The Chief Operating Officer of the Environment and Sanitation Cluster of the Jospong Group of Companies, Mrs Florence Larbi, traced the company’s growth over the past two decades. She said Zoomlion had evolved from a basic waste collection service into a fully integrated waste value-chain operator covering collection, storage, transfer, recycling and treatment.
With 36 waste treatment facilities nationwide, including medical, liquid and solid waste processing plants, the company now provides sanitation services to households and institutions across the country.
“We have come a long way, and today we are proud to serve almost every household in Ghana,” she said.
She added that the company remains positioned to support large-scale national sanitation initiatives, including youth employment programmes.
The Managing Director of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Mrs Doris Kweikwor Adjei, described the Minister’s visit as a strong signal of collaboration between government and the private sector.
“Your visit reinforces that labour is not only about policy discussions but about people, dignity, and the employment opportunities created for Ghanaians,” she said.
She assured the delegation of the company’s continued commitment to workforce development and productivity.
“We will not only clean Ghana but also continue to develop a workforce that supports national productivity and development,” she added.
Other senior officials of the Jospong Group present included Executive Director of the Environment and Sanitation Cluster, Mrs Gloria Opoku Anti; Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Ms Sophia Kudjordji; General Manager of ACARP, Mr Paddy Tuwor; Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, Ms Emma Adwoa Appiah Osei-Duah; and Public Relations Manager, Mr Ernest Morgan Acquah.