Parliamentary Press Corps Gains Insights into Zoomlion’s Operations

A delegation from the Parliamentary Press Corps embarked on a media tour of Zoomlion Ghana Limited’s (ZGL) state-of-the-art facilities in Accra on March 19, 2025.

The tour, which was part of Zoomlion’s engagement with the media, provided the delegation with insights into the company’s operations.

Their first stop was Sewage Systems Ghana Limited (SSGL), where the General Manager, Lola Asiseh Ashitey, briefed them on the company’s operations.

She explained how the company, established in 2017, has revolutionized wastewater treatment in Ghana.

“Before our establishment, wastewater was discharged directly into the sea. Today, we treat wastewater from homes, process faecal waste, and operate six treatment plants in locations like Lavender Hill, Kotoku, Kumasi, and Takoradi. Our goal is to establish treatment plants in all 16 regions of Ghana,” she stated.

Beyond waste treatment, SSGL maximizes its by-products. Solid waste is converted into charcoal and compost, while liquid waste is repurposed for irrigation.

“Our company ensures that by-products from waste treatment are put to good use. Solid waste is processed into charcoal and compost, while liquid by-products are used for irrigation. Our core aim is to ensure the proper disposal of both solid and liquid waste while promoting reuse for environmental sustainability,” she added.

Currently, she noted that only 5% of Ghana’s population is connected to a sewage system, with areas such as Cantonments, Parliament, Akosombo, parts of Osu, and sections of the University of Ghana included in the network.

However, Ms. Ashitey highlighted key challenges, including solid waste clogging sewage pipes, high operational costs due to corrosion from the sea breeze, and delayed government payments.

Despite these challenges, she affirmed SSGL’s commitment to Ghana’s “24-hour economy” initiative, with Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, CEO of Zoomlion, spearheading efforts to expand operations across the country and beyond.

Visit to Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP)

Next, the media team visited the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP), where Assistant Plant Manager Benjamin Asante-Ayeh led them through the facility’s operations.

According to him, ACARP processes municipal solid waste, recovers plastics, rubber, and organic materials, achieving an impressive 70% recycling rate. The plant also produces organic compost for farmlands and manufactures dustbins and buckets from recycled plastics.

“At ACARP, we see waste as a resource with great potential. With the right interventions, discarded materials can be transformed into valuable, reusable products,” Mr. Asante-Ayeh remarked.

He acknowledged that while government support has helped reduce some operational costs, more investment is needed to sustain and expand operations.

The company has also established Integrated Recycling and Compost Plants (IRECOPs)—smaller recycling facilities across Ghana—and is expanding its operations into Africa.

Speaking to the media, Michael Padi Tuwor, Managing Director of ACARP, revealed that the company is strengthening partnerships with other African countries, including Guinea, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria.

“Our mission is to transform waste management across the continent. Though public sensitization is still low, we are seeing progress as more Ghanaians recognize the importance of proper waste disposal,” Mr. Tuwor noted.

He encouraged citizens to store waste properly for collection instead of disposing of it indiscriminately, thereby contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Visit to the Zoomlion Transfer Station

From ACARP, the Parliamentary Press Corps proceeded to Zoomlion’s Transfer Station at Pantang-Abokobi.

At this facility, waste is collected and sorted before being transported to landfill sites. The transfer station reduces transportation costs by minimizing the distance waste travels to landfills. Instead of small waste transport vehicles heading directly to landfill sites, they deliver waste to the transfer station, where it is sorted and consolidated.

Operations Supervisor Cephas Awuku briefed the media on the facility’s operations.

He explained that tricycles transporting waste to the station are registered, ensuring an organized and efficient process.

Call for Stricter Environmental Enforcement

For her part, Madam Emma Adwoa Appia Osei-Duah, Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs at ZGL, thanked the media for availing themselves of the opportunity to tour the company’s facilities in Accra.

She reiterated Zoomlion’s commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment.

She also called for stricter enforcement of environmental by-laws to support waste management initiatives and strengthen government partnerships.

Additionally, she emphasized the importance of waste bins in households, urging citizens to take proper care of them to prevent loss or misuse.

“We all generate waste, which is why we must ensure proper disposal. When we work together, we can create a cleaner and healthier environment. Zoomlion and its sister companies remain committed and ready to achieve this goal,” she assured.