YEA CEO Malik Basintale Vows to End Zoomlion Contract Over Ghc250 Salaries for Workers
Malik Basintale, the current Chief Executive Officer of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), has issued a bold statement criticizing the ongoing Zoomlion contract, which pays Ghanaian youth workers as little as Ghc250 per month. In a passionate Facebook post, Basintale declared that he would not renew the contract in its current form, labeling it as exploitative and a betrayal of the youth.
According to him, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has continued to renew this contract for over 7 years and 9 months without making changes to improve the conditions of workers. He stated that the contract, in its existing state, undermines the value of hard work and fails to compensate Ghanaian youth fairly.
Basintale promised, “on my honor as I stand by the grave of my late father,” never to allow the continuation of such a contract if he has the power to influence its renewal. He condemned the arrangement as “evil” and unacceptable, especially for a government that claims to care about youth empowerment.
He aligned his stance with that of former President John Dramani Mahama, noting that the former leader is committed to reviewing and resetting national systems to prioritize fairness and dignity in labor. Basintale urged all Ghanaians to recognize the injustice in the current arrangement and push for reform.
“If my mother, brother, or sister were a Zoomlion worker, I wouldn’t be happy with them earning Ghc250. I can’t be happy with anyone else’s mother or father taking that same amount,” he asserted.
Malik Basintale has invited the public to join him live on Facebook at 8 PM to discuss the issue, listen to feedback, and propose the way forward. His firm position has sparked public attention and reignited the national conversation about fair labor practices, youth employment, and the need for accountability in government contracts.
As CEO of the YEA, Basintale’s statement carries significant weight, especially as the country approaches key political transitions. His words reflect a growing movement demanding better opportunities, fair wages, and dignity for Ghanaian workers.
