Management of Zoomlion Ghana Limited rejected reports championed by popular investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni that the company has been covertly contracted by VRA for fumigation exercise in communities affected by the dam spillage.
The company described the report captioned “Ibrahim Mahama, Zoomlion, and Serious Questions for VRA” as untrue and criticised the journalist for severally accusing the company without proof.
“Management categorically refutes these misleading, false, and unfounded allegations by one Manasseh Azure Awuni, who has for the past 10 years sought to level various allegations against Zoomlion to no avail. This recent publication is a demonstration of Manasseh’s clear disregard for journalistic integrity and professional ethics, as is expected by a person of his calibre,”, Zoomlion said in a statement on October 30, 2023.
“We want to emphasise that Zoomlion has not been contracted by VRA to undertake any fumigation exercise in the said affected areas, as claimed by Mr. Awuni”, the statement furthered.
Zoomlion explained that it was on humanitarian grounds that it pledged to fumigate the affected communities, following the presentation of some relief items to them.
The company challenged Manasseh to provide evidence to substantiate his claim regarding the alleged contract given to them.
Meanwhile, Manasseh Awuni says his position was informed by reports on other media platforms.
1. The MP for North Tongu has engaged a company to fumigate the district, free of charge.
— Manasseh Azure Awuni (@Manasseh_Azure) October 30, 2023
2. Zoomlion has a standing contract with the district to undertake fumigation.
3. The VRA has awarded a Zoomlion a contract to fumigate the same district in the wake of the dam spillage. pic.twitter.com/hG3vlGmZRr
The Volta River Authority (VRA) says it has not awarded a contract to Zoomlion. This is refreshing to hear. Joy, Citi, GNA and other media entities reported it with direct official quotes. This press release from the VRA is welcome news though. pic.twitter.com/luQndEhNTo
— Manasseh Azure Awuni (@Manasseh_Azure) October 31, 2023