Monrovia, Liberia – July 15, 2025 — Prominent international business leader and cybersecurity expert Fanta Kamara has joined forces with independent media institutions and student movements in a strong call for the Liberian government to reject the return of Zoomlion, a waste management company previously operating in the country.
Speaking on The Closing Argument Show on Monday, Kamara warned against re-engaging the controversial Ghanaian-based company, citing its checkered history in Liberia during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
“Zoomlion represents everything we are trying to get rid of in Liberia: foreign extraction, unaccountable monopolies, and the sidelining of Liberian innovation,” Kamara asserted. “Their return would be a slap in the face of every Liberian youth dreaming of building a green economy.”
Kamara alleged that Zoomlion operated under poor working conditions and was entangled in corruption during its previous tenure. She challenged both former President Sirleaf and Madam Mary Broh to publicly deny claims that the company made illicit payments to secure contracts during the Unity Party’s rule.
“It’s the same Unity Party government maybe that’s why they want to bring Zoomlion back,” she added.
Demand for Accountability and Reform:
Kamara and her allies are now calling on key public institutions particularly the Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), Paynesville City Corporation (PCC), the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC), and the National Legislature to immediately blacklist Zoomlion and all of its affiliates from engaging in any future public contracts.
They argue that allowing the company’s return would undermine national efforts toward transparency, environmental protection, and inclusive economic development.
A Test of Political Will:
The controversy comes amid an ongoing review of Liberia’s waste management strategy. Institutions currently participating in the review process include:
1. Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP)
2. Ministry of Public Works (MPW)
3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
4. Monrovia City Corporation (MCC)
5. Paynesville City Corporation (PCC)
6. WASH Commission
7. Civil Society Groups
8. Community-Based Enterprises (Observer)
9. Small and Medium Enterprises (Observer)
Stakeholders argue this is a critical moment for President Joseph Boakai’s administration, which has pledged to fight corruption and promote homegrown solutions.
“This is not just about trash collection,” said one civil society spokesperson. “It’s about whether our government will finally put Liberian interests above foreign profiteering.”
The Verdict:
Given Zoomlion’s documented failures in Liberia and ongoing controversies in Ghana, many believe the company is unfit to manage the nation’s sanitation services. For a country aiming to rebuild trust, strengthen public infrastructure, and champion green development, repeating the mistakes of the past would be a dangerous misstep.
The message is clear: Liberia must say NO to Zoomlion permanently.
