The operations of Sewage Systems Ghana Limited (SSGL), a subsidiary of Zoomlion Ghana Limited (ZGL), are being severely impacted by delayed disbursement of government payments for services rendered.
This was disclosed during a tour of Zoomlion Ghana Limited’s (ZGL) project facilities in Accra by members of the Parliamentary Press Corps.
The General Manager of Sewage Systems Ghana Limited (SSGL), Lola Asiseh Ashitey, outlined challenges facing the company; noting that although SSGL plays a crucial role in addressing Ghana’s wastewater management needs – operating six treatment plants across the country with plans to expand to all 16 regions – delays in government payments are significantly hindering its ability to maintain operations and pursue expansion plans.
According to her, SSGL relies substantially on government payments to meet operational costs, including equipment maintenance and staff remuneration. However, delayed disbursements have led to cash flow constraints – limiting the company’s capacity to scale operations and deliver efficient services.
“Government’s timely payment for our services is crucial to our operations,” Ms Ashitey stressed. “Delayed payments affect our ability to maintain equipment, pay staff and expand services to other regions,” she lamented.
She further revealed that SSGL faces additional operational challenges, including blockages in pipes caused by liquid waste mixed with solid waste.
“Limited support and patronage, coupled with high operational costs, also hinder the company’s ability to expand nationwide and scale operations across Africa,” she added.
Ms. Ashitey recounted how the company, established in 2017, has transformed wastewater treatment in Ghana.
“Before we were established, wastewater was discharged directly into the sea. Today, we treat wastewater from homes, process faecal waste and operate six treatment plants in locations such as Lavender Hill, Kotoku, Kumasi and Takoradi. Our aim is to have treatment plants in all 16 regions of Ghana,” she said.
Beyond treatment, the company maximises by-products from its operations. Solid waste is processed into charcoal and compost, while liquid waste is repurposed for irrigation.
“Our goal is to ensure the proper disposal of both solid and liquid waste while promoting reuse for environmental sustainability,” she emphasised.
Currently, only 5 percent of Ghana’s population is connected to a sewage system, with coverage limited to areas such as Cantonments, Parliament House, Akosombo, parts of Osu and sections of the University of Ghana.
The media team also visited the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP), where Assistant Plant Manager Mr. Benjamin Asante-Ayeh guided journalists through the facility’s operations.
He explained that ACARP processes municipal solid waste, recovering plastics, rubber, and organic materials with an impressive 70 percent recycling recovery rate. The plant also produces organic compost for farmlands and manufactures items such as dustbins and buckets from recycled plastics.
“At ACARP, we cherish waste because we see its potential. With the right interventions, we can transform discarded materials into valuable, reusable products,” Mr. Asante-Ayeh noted.
He acknowledged that government support has helped reduce some operational costs but said more investment was required.
The company has also established Integrated Recycling and Compost Plants (IRECOPs) – smaller recycling facilities across Ghana – and is expanding operations into other African markets.
Speaking to media, Managing Director-ACARP, Mr. Michael Padi Tuwor, disclosed that the company is strengthening partnerships with African countries including Guinea, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria.
“Our mission is to transform waste management across the continent. Public sensitisation remains low, but we are seeing encouraging progress as more Ghanaians recognise the importance of proper waste disposal,” Mr. Tuwor stated.
He urged Ghanaians to store waste properly for collection instead of resorting to indiscriminate dumping, in order to help create a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
The tour continued to Zoomlion’s Transfer Station at Pantang-Abokobi, where waste is collected and sorted before being transported to landfill sites. The facility aims to reduce transportation costs by consolidating waste, thereby cutting down the number of trips to landfill sites.
Operations Supervisor Mr. Cephas Awuku briefed media on the facility’s operations, explaining that tricycles transporting waste to the station have been registered to ensure an organised and efficient process.
Director-Communications and Corporate Affairs, ZGL, Emma Adwoa-Appia Osei-Duah expressed gratitude to media for making time to tour the company’s facilities.
She reaffirmed Zoomlion’s commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment and called for stricter enforcement of environmental by-laws to support waste management initiatives and strengthen government collaboration.
Madam Osei-Duah also stressed the need for households to use wastebins and urged citizens to take care of them to prevent loss or misuse.
“We all generate waste, which is why we must ensure its 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.
