NDC MPs distance themselves from Zoomlion-YEA contract – Ayariga

The Parliamentary Caucus of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has made it clear that it will not meddle in the ongoing contract issues between the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited.

This clarification came from Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business in Parliament.

He addressed public concerns after reports suggested that the Sanitation Committee of Parliament might be interfering with YEA’s decision on the sanitation module contract.

According to Mr Ayariga, no such mandate has been given.

“The NDC Parliamentary Caucus has not authorised the Sanitation Committee of Parliament to interfere with the work of the Youth Employment Agency in its decision regarding the sanitation module contract of the Zoomlion company,” he stated.

He added that the Chair of the Committee had personally reported that neither he nor any other member has attempted to intervene, contrary to claims circulating in the media.

Mr Ayariga further cautioned that any statements made by individual MPs defending Zoomlion should not be taken as the official stance of either the Committee or Parliament.

He also advised local authorities across the country not to allow themselves to be coerced into signing sanitation deals with any specific company.

“No Metropolitan, Municipal or District Assembly should in any form or manner allow itself to be intimidated by any authority to enter into any sanitation contract with any particular company,” he said.

Mr Ayariga reminded the public that under President Mahama’s previous administration, Parliament approved a policy directing 80 percent of the Common Fund directly to Assemblies, giving them the freedom to pursue their own development priorities.