Former Deputy Minister for Trade and Member of Parliament for Achiase Constituency, Kofi Ahenkora Marfo, has taken government to task over what he describes as the deliberate misapplication of the sanitation component of the Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA).

He accused government of intentionally diverting funds meant to improve sanitation infrastructure to fuel electricity generators — a move he believes is part of a strategy to frustrate Zoomlion Ghana Ltd, the country’s largest waste management company.

According to Marfo, while government may have concerns about monopoly in the sanitation sector, starving the industry of essential funding as a way to undermine Zoomlion is both counterproductive and irresponsible.

“It is now clear that government is deliberately redirecting sanitation levy funds to power electricity generators not out of necessity but as part of a calculated attempt to cripple Zoomlion,” Marfo stated.

“If government believes Zoomlion’s dominance is a threat to healthy competition, then the right approach is to hold honest discussions with other capable service providers and open up the space — not sabotage the entire sector.”

He emphasised that the sanitation component of the ESLA levy was introduced by the NPP administration with a clear vision to strengthen the sanitation sector, attract more private players, and improve service delivery across the country.

“The levy was never intended to subsidize energy costs. It was meant to clean up our communities, support more players in waste management, and inject efficiency through competition,” he said.

Marfo also expressed frustration over the neglect of environmental and sanitation college graduates, stating that between 150 to 200 graduates are currently unemployed, despite the existence of funds meant to support their engagement.

“We have hundreds of sanitation professionals trained and ready to serve — between 150 and 200 of them — yet the funds that could get them working are being used to fuel generators. What kind of misplaced priorities are these?” he asked.

“These young people were trained with the hope of serving their country. They should be in our communities improving sanitation, not sitting at home idle.”

He insisted that the current approach is a betrayal of national interest and urged the Ministries of Finance and Sanitation to restore policy discipline.

“We cannot afford to play politics with sanitation. Clean cities, healthy environments, and decent jobs for our graduates should never be sacrificed for political rivalries.”

“Return the sanitation levy to its rightful use. If you are serious about reform, open up the sanitation space, invite competition, and let Ghanaians benefit from better service — not from sabotage disguised as policy,” the former Minister further rebuked the government.

His remarks come at a time of growing concern over accountability in the use of statutory funds and the urgent need for better environmental management in Ghana’s urban and rural communities.

AME