Effective implementation of Procurement Law

The Chief Executive Officer of the Public Procurement Authority, Agyenim Boateng Adjei has revealed that general lack of professional input in the public procurement and contracting process has led to various ad hoc arrangements including the use of external expertise at various stages of the procurement process.

He said as happens in any change management initiative, the implementation of Act 663 and the execution of its mandate have faced a number of challenges most of which can be termed as teething difficulties.

He said the initial assessment of the 100 selected entities revealed that majority of practitioners involved in public procurement lacked the requisite professional expertise and knowledge of the law governing the practice.

Mr Agyenim Boateng Adjei said these at the weekly meet the press series. He observed that the biggest challenges of the procurement reforms taking place, that is fiscal decentralization and deconcentration in the in the public sector have placed procurement responsibility on many public entities, many of whom were not prepared for this role.

He said this therefore places them at a disadvantage in ensuring that the right practices prescribed by the law are adhered to.

The CEO said as part of measures to attract and retain a cadre of procurement professionals in the public sector the Public Procurement Authority is to introduce procurement as a career in the public service.

He observed that this will be achieved by clearly defining the procurement career path, including formulating the requirements for entry and promotion with clear job functions, grades, promotion and salary structure.

He said to this effect, a report on a designed curriculum geared towards institutionalizing a definite career path for practitioner of public procurement and also the need to revive professional associations of procurement in Ghana have been forwarded to the Office of the Head of Civil Service and the Public Service Commission, which he added are receiving favourable attention.

Mr Agyenim Boateng Adjei observed that considering the fact that human resource play a significant role in the implementation of the Act, the Public Procurement Authority in conjunction with the Controller and Accountant General and the Internal Audit Agency embarked on a Skills and Training Needs Assessment Programme.

He disclosed that short, medium and long term training programmes are being put in place to address the situation. According to him, a 3-6 months intensive training programme leading to a Chartered Institute of Purchasing Supply level 4 qualification is in the offering.

The target group is personnel with various qualifications but performing procurement functions. Other training programmes includes a 10 months intensive programme for HND students in Purchasing and Supply to attain CIPS level 5 and 6 certificates which will lead to combined award of both bachelor of science degree and MCIPS.

And an internship to ensure that people who benefit from the above training receive a hands-on experience with regards to public procurement management, students and graduates will be attached to public institutions and supported through a comprehensive internship programme.

By Gilbert Boyefio & Katie Drew