Story by George Yawson VINEH
Zoomlion Ghana Limited has rejected allegations by the Auditor-General over its cleaning and vector control services at the 13th All African Games in Accra, calling the findings “UNTRUE”.
The Auditor-General’s latest report flagged payments totaling ₵2.3 million made to Zoomlion for cleaning services during the Games.
Key concerns raised:
1. Duplicated invoices and overlapping service charges
2. Multiple invoices showed signs of duplication, with similar services billed within the same time frames
3. Inconsistencies in documentation some charges appeared repeated across invoices, suggesting the same work may have been charged more than once
4. Specific allegations of duplication of labour charges, undefined “Services” cost heads, and lack of itemised bills of quantities in invoices for cleaning and vector control.
The report called for further investigation, recovery of any overpayments, and stricter verification to prevent similar issues.
In a statement released, Zoomlion “completely refutes these allegations as UNTRUE”. The company says the Auditor-General’s findings misinterpret operational reality and ignore key facts.
Zoomlion’s main counterpoints:
1. No Duplication – Two Different Services
Zoomlion says the report wrongly mixes two separate contracts:
– Vector control services: Fogging, mosquito control targeting mosquitoes, reptiles, rodents and cockroaches with specialised equipment
– Janitorial services: Daily cleaning, waste evacuation, toilet maintenance, mopping, disinfection of stands and washrooms
The company argues “Labour” appearing in both invoices is not duplication, but reflects the legitimate cost of human resources for two distinct operations.
2. “Services” Charges Are Defined in Contracts
Every invoice, Zoomlion says, is backed by a contract and service level agreement that defines the scope of “Services” – including task frequencies, coverage areas and quality standards.
The scope covered 30+ activities: daily emptying of colour-coded waste bins, mechanical sweeping, vacuum cleaning, removal of cobwebs/stains, provision of soaps/toilet rolls, mobile toilets, medical waste treatment and water supply with cesspit emptying.
3. Supporting Documents Were Available
Zoomlion claims “all supporting documents were already available to the Auditor General at the material time”.
Context: Zoomlion’s Role at the Games
Zoomlion was contracted for scientific cleaning, environmental sanitation, solid/liquid waste management, fumigation, and medical waste management at four venues: Borteyman Sports Complex, Achimota Oval, Accra Sports Stadium and Bukom Emporium.
The company deployed 15 brand new waste collection trucks, trained sanitation recruits at Bundase Military Training Camp, and stationed 100+ personnel in shifts at venues. Patrons and media reports at the time praised Zoomlion for “world-class sanitation services” and a “pristine environment” during the event.
What Happens Next
The Auditor-General recommended further investigation and recovery of any overpayments. Authorities managing the Games’ finances are expected to respond.
Separately, President Mahama in November 2024 ordered a broader forensic audit into the organisation and management of the 13th All-Africa Games, covering procurement, expenditure, infrastructure and post-event management. The Auditor-General has until the second week of December 2025 to present findings.
Bottom line: Zoomlion admits to receiving ₵2.3m for Games cleaning but denies any duplication or overbilling, saying the Auditor-General conflated two separate contracts janitorial vs vector control. The Auditor-General maintains there were irregularities and wants the matter investigated.
