Corruption: Impeding Sustainable Development Through Public Procurement

Corruption and fraud in the realm of public procurement pose substantial obstacles to the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in developing nations, as delineated by the United Nations. The process of public procurement, which encompasses the acquisition of goods, services, and projects by governmental bodies, emerges as a crucial tool in propelling sustainable development forward. Nonetheless, when tainted by corruption and fraud, it undermines integrity, efficiency, and efficacy, thereby impeding advancements towards the SDGs.

Corruption within public procurement diverts financial resources that could otherwise bolster critical development endeavors. Resources designated for pivotal sectors like infrastructure, healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation are redirected through inflated contracts, kickbacks, and bribery schemes. This diminishes the government's ability to invest in sustainable economic growth, hindering poverty alleviation endeavors and exacerbating disparities.

Infrastructure projects play a pivotal role in sustainable development by facilitating access to essential services, enhancing economic productivity, and fortifying resilience to climate change. However, when corrupt practices infiltrate procurement procedures, infrastructure initiatives encounter inefficiencies, delays, and subpar construction quality. This not only wastes resources but also jeopardizes public safety and obstructs the establishment of robust infrastructure systems.

Corruption in public procurement undermines the provision of vital social services such as healthcare and education. The diversion of funds intended for healthcare infrastructure, medical supplies, and educational facilities deprives communities of quality services, particularly in rural and marginalized regions. This perpetuates cycles of poverty, illiteracy, and adverse health outcomes, hindering advancements towards SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

The pursuit of sustainable development necessitates the prudent management of natural resources and the safeguarding of the environment. Nevertheless, corruption in procurement often leads to contracts being awarded without adequate environmental assessments or adherence to regulations. This results in uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources, deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction, impeding endeavors to achieve SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), exacerbating environmental deterioration, and jeopardizing biodiversity.

Corruption undermines public trust in governmental institutions and weakens the social contract between citizens and the state. When procurement processes are marred by fraud and partiality, individuals lose faith in the government's dedication to prioritizing public welfare over personal interests. This undermines mechanisms of accountability, nurtures a climate of impunity, and perpetuates institutional corruption, establishing a detrimental cycle that hampers advancements towards all SDGs.

As per the Public Procurement Authority of Ghana, public procurement contributed to around 30% of the country's GDP in the fiscal year 2023. Despite sustained endeavors to combat corruption, several significant instances have brought to light the prevalence of corrupt practices in public procurement. One notable case is the "SADA Afforestation Project" scandal, which unveiled the misallocation of millions of Ghanaian cedis through inflated contracts and kickback schemes.

Moreover, findings from the Global Corruption Barometer by Transparency International have highlighted the significant challenge of corruption in public procurement in Ghana. The data reveals that 65% of the population surveyed in Ghana perceived a rise in corrupt practices within the public procurement sector in the previous year, indicating a widespread acknowledgment of this issue.

Furthermore, academic investigations have illustrated that corruption in public procurement has a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. Specifically, inquiries carried out by the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) have uncovered instances where corruption in the procurement of healthcare services has led to disparities in access to quality healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

These revelations underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address corruption and unethical behavior in public procurement processes in Ghana. It is crucial to implement measures that enhance transparency, accountability, and integrity throughout the procurement processes. Strengthening oversight mechanisms, enforcing anti-corruption laws, and promoting protections for whistleblowers are essential steps to ensure that public procurement serves as a driver for sustainable development and equitable progress in Ghan

Atoapem Frimpong Barimah. PhD(C), MBA, MSc, BSc(Hon), Dip(Hons), FCIPS (CS), CMILT, CFrA, CCIL