The Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), Malik Basintale, has pledged urgent action to resolve a longstanding issue of unpaid wages after dozens of frustrated Zoomlion workers demonstrated at the agency’s headquarters on Thursday.
The workers, some of whom have not received salaries for over a year and five months, converged peacefully to demand immediate payment of their arrears, citing growing financial hardship and neglect.
In response to the protest, Mr. Basintale personally met with the aggrieved sanitation workers and commended them for their orderly conduct. He assured them that efforts were already underway to engage the Ministry of Finance for the swift release of funds.
“I understand your frustration, and I want to assure you that I’m taking this issue seriously,” he said. “This backlog was inherited, but under my watch, we’re making every effort to ensure you receive what you are owed.”
The wage delay adds to a string of grievances that have plagued the partnership between Zoomlion and the YEA, with previous protests highlighting not only delayed payments but also low wages and poor working conditions.
Mr. Basintale used the opportunity to reaffirm his position against the proposed GHC 258 monthly contract rate, describing it as “unacceptable” and inadequate for the survival of the workers.
“This administration, led by President John Mahama, is committed to protecting the dignity of every worker. We will not allow this situation to continue,” he stated firmly.
The demonstration marks yet another flashpoint in the ongoing struggle of sanitation workers to receive fair compensation, as questions mount over government accountability and private contractor obligations in the public employment space.
