Virgin Blogger Blog of Saturday, 8 February 2025
Source: Christopher A. Ranson

In the landscape of Ghanaian businesses, the Jospong Group of Companies, headed by the visionary Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, stands as a beacon of innovation, progress, and environmental sustainability. However, despite its remarkable achievements, the company has faced relentless attacks from certain quarters, most notably from journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni. His consistent negative narratives have not only undermined the Jospong Group’s efforts but have also sought to discredit Ghanaian entrepreneurship at large.
This article provides an in-depth analysis of Manasseh’s writings, explores his role in the collapse of the Agams Group of Companies, and uncovers his failed attempts to turn the government against Zoomlion Ghana Limited and Jospong. Through this examination, we will counter these biased claims, highlight the real impact of the Jospong Group across Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa, and demonstrate why stakeholders must support this crucial Ghanaian conglomerate.
Manasseh Azure Awuni’s Critiques: A Pattern of Negative Narratives

Manasseh Azure Awuni has built a career in investigative journalism, often focusing on corporate wrongdoing and governmental inefficiencies. However, his reports on the Jospong Group of Companies and Zoomlion have been increasingly criticized for their one-sided nature. A deep dive into his writings reveals a consistent portrayal of Jospong’s businesses as corrupt, mismanaged, and inauthentic. These accusations, often lacking substantial evidence, suggest a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of a company that has significantly contributed to Ghana’s development.
Ironically, rather than weakening the Jospong Group, his attacks have only made the company stronger, reinforcing its commitment to providing transformative waste management solutions across the country.
One of the most significant consequences of Manasseh’s journalistic approach was the downfall of the Agams Group of Companies. A closer examination reveals how his damaging reports eroded public trust in the company, ultimately forcing Agams to shut down its operations. By leveraging sensationalism and unverified claims, Manasseh not only crippled Agams but also cast a shadow over other indigenous Ghanaian businesses, such as Jospong.
Despite his persistent efforts spanning over a decade, his attempts to dismantle the Jospong Group have failed. The company continues to thrive, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to national development.
The Flippant Attempts to Incite Government Action Against Jospong: A Political Twist
Manasseh’s writings significantly contributed to the political downfall of former President John Dramani Mahama, as he unjustifiably labeled him corrupt. Following Mahama’s defeat, he jubilantly continued his campaign against Jospong by cautioning the Akufo-Addo administration not to do business with the conglomerate, as if the government of Ghana were his personal property.
However, his efforts fell flat when President Akufo-Addo, upon witnessing some of Jospong’s infrastructure, commended the company’s work. The President remarked that “when you are doing something right, many people will fight you.” This statement reportedly frustrated Manasseh, whose credibility diminished as Jospong’s successes continued to speak for themselves.
Ghanaians have since recognized the falsehoods behind Manasseh’s corruption allegations against Mahama, leading to Mahama’s emphatic return to power. Now, Manasseh has resumed his attacks, this time targeting Mahama’s newly sworn-in ministers for engaging with Jospong to address Ghana’s waste management issues. When Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo met with the Jospong Group on her first day in office to discuss cleaning up Accra, Manasseh opposed the move. Yet, he has not proposed an alternative waste management company. Does he expect the minister to abandon waste management efforts entirely? For how long? This reeks of pure malice.
Expanding Beyond Borders: The Jospong Group’s Impact Across Africa
While Manasseh has relentlessly attacked the Jospong Group, the company’s successes in Ghana and across Sub-Saharan Africa have been remarkable. In countries such as Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Congo, Uganda, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Angola, and Togo, Jospong has expanded its operations, transforming waste management infrastructure.
Through innovative solutions, state-of-the-art technology, and dedicated service, Jospong has helped cities and countries address one of the most pressing issues of our time—environmental sustainability.
Jospong Group’s Waste Management Infrastructure: Transforming Ghana’s Urban Landscape
Beyond the negative narratives, the Jospong Group has made undeniable contributions to Ghana’s waste management infrastructure. Zoomlion, the flagship company of the Jospong Group, has revolutionized waste management, addressing environmental challenges and improving urban living conditions.
Zoomlion’s state-of-the-art waste management facilities in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Takoradi, and Tema are among the most advanced in West Africa. These include wastewater treatment plants that have significantly improved water quality, reduced pollution, and enhanced public health.
Additionally, Jospong’s Integrated Recycling and Compost Plants (IRECOPs), located across all 16 regions of Ghana, have transformed the country’s waste management landscape. These facilities not only manage waste but also recycle it, turning waste into valuable resources such as compost and recyclables, thereby promoting environmental sustainability.
At COP28 in Dubai, the Swedish government recognized Jospong’s efforts by signing a €20 million facility in carbon trade, underscoring the global impact of these initiatives.
Employment Creation: A Lifeline for Over 60,000 Ghanaians and Foreign Nationals
The human impact of Jospong’s operations is immeasurable. Through its vast network of waste management services and infrastructure projects, the company directly employs over 60,000 individuals across Ghana, from waste collection and sorting to the operation of IRECOPs and wastewater treatment facilities.
These workers are not just employees—they are the backbone of Ghana’s environmental health, ensuring that cities remain clean and livable. The Jospong Group’s expansive workforce also includes non-Ghanaian workers, demonstrating the company’s commitment to inclusive employment across borders.
The Human Cost of Misinformation: Manasseh Azure Awuni’s Harmful Agenda
Despite these tremendous contributions, Manasseh Azure Awuni continues to use his platform to undermine the Jospong Group, with potentially devastating consequences for thousands of workers and their families. His relentless attacks on Zoomlion and its leadership threaten the livelihoods of over 60,000 workers who rely on the Jospong Group for income, security, and social mobility.
This is the tragic irony: Manasseh’s fight against Jospong could destroy the very livelihoods he claims to defend. Rather than fostering a healthier business environment, he is sowing division and doubt, potentially leading to lost jobs, environmental setbacks, and economic decline.
Conclusion: A Call for Support
The Jospong Group’s impact on Ghana’s waste management infrastructure and the African continent cannot be overstated. The company’s cutting-edge wastewater treatment plants, medical waste treatment plants, transfer stations, fleet of waste collection trucks, and IRECOPs have transformed Ghana’s waste management landscape, offering solutions to long-standing environmental challenges.
It is time for the government and stakeholders to recognize the positive role the Jospong Group plays in national development. Manasseh Azure Awuni’s campaign of misinformation, which threatens the livelihoods of tens of thousands of workers, must be resisted. Rather than allowing his biased attacks to cause division and harm, we must support and celebrate Ghanaian companies like Jospong that are shaping a sustainable future for our country and the continent.

