Zoomlion Responds to Auditor General’s Findings on Cleaning Services Regarding the 13th African Games
Management of Zoomlion Ghana Limited has seen media reports on the Auditor General’s findings alleging duplication of labour charges, undefined “Services” cost heads and lack of itemised bills of quantities in invoices for cleaning and vector control services at the 13th African Games.
We completely refute these allegations as UNTRUE.
The findings misinterpret operational reality, ignore the distinct scope of services provided under separate contracts and overlook the fact that all supporting documents were already available to the Auditor General at the material time.
- No Duplication – Two Different Services
The report wrongly mixes vector control services (fogging, mosquito control) with janitorial services (daily cleaning, waste evacuation, toilet maintenance). These are separate contracts with different teams, equipment and schedules. Vector control targeted four pest categories – mosquitoes, reptiles, rodents and cockroaches – using specialised equipment. Janitorial services involved daily waste collection, mopping, disinfection and cleaning of stands and washrooms. “Labour” appearing in both invoices is not duplication; it reflects the legitimate cost of human resources for two distinct operations.
- “Services” Charges Are Defined in Contracts
Every invoice is backed by a contract and service level agreement that clearly defines the scope of “Services” – including task frequencies, coverage areas and quality standards. The scope covered over 30 distinct activities: daily emptying of colour‑coded waste bins, mechanical sweeping, vacuum cleaning, removal of cobwebs and stains, provision of soaps and toilet rolls, mobile toilets, medical waste treatment and water supply with cesspit emptying.
- Full Equipment and Consumables Records Exist
Zoomlion deployed a full fleet across four venues (Accra Sports Stadium, Borteyman Sports Complex, Achimota Cricket Oval, and Bukom Trust Emporium): compaction trucks, medical waste trucks, thermal foggers, knapsack sprayers, floor scrubbing machines, buffer machines, vacuum cleaners, mobile toilets, hundreds of colour‑coded bins, PPE and consumables including detergents and spraying chemicals. Line‑item breakdowns are available.
- All Documents Were Available to the Auditor General
All invoices, contracts, service schedules, daily supervision logs and equipment deployment records were duly submitted to and available at the Ministry of Sports and the relevant state institutions responsible for the African Games. The Auditor General had every opportunity at the material time to review these documents and satisfy itself that there was absolutely nothing wrong with Zoomlion’s invoices.
- Round‑the‑Clock Service, No Failures
Services ran from 1st March to 1st April 2024 – 31 days of uninterrupted coverage, including a full week before the Games. A shift system provided 24/7 service. Over 350 personnel were trained at the Army Peace Operations Training School (4th–24th February 2024) in waste management, vector control, health and safety, and conflict resolution. Waste segregation into recyclables and general waste reduced the event’s carbon footprint. There were no disease outbreaks or sanitation failures.
- Conclusion
Zoomlion unequivocally denies these allegations. The company is a responsible corporate entity that upholds the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability in all its dealings.
Issued by:
Corporate Communications
Zoomlion Ghana Limited
Accra