The National Democratic Congress government has launched a comprehensive overhaul of its public procurement system in a bid to curb financial leakages
The National Democratic Congress government has launched a comprehensive overhaul of its public procurement system in a bid to curb financial leakages estimated at GH¢2.36 billion annually.
Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, revealed this during the National Procurement and Supply Conference, citing a report by the Ghana Institute of Procurement and Supply (GIPS).
According to Ampem, procurement breaches such as unauthorized procurements, inconsistent evaluations, poor supervision, and vague specifications designed to favor certain suppliers have become widespread.
These inefficiencies undermine development priorities and erode public trust, robbing the country of opportunities to create jobs and expand access to critical services ¹.
To address this issue, the government has amended the Public Procurement Act to make commencement certificates and budgetary allocations mandatory for all central government-funded contracts.
Additionally, a Public Financial Management (PFM) Compliance Division has been set up within the Ministry of Finance to enforce adherence to procurement rules through the Ghana Electronic Procurement System (GHANEPS).
The Cabinet is also considering the Procurement Practicing Bill, which aims to professionalize procurement, curb malpractices, and embed sustainability and anti-corruption safeguards.
This legislation is expected to raise standards and give procurement the strategic importance it deserves ².
These reforms are part of President John Mahama’s broader economic reset agenda and align with the 24-Hour Economy Programme, which prioritizes local production, green procurement, and job creation.
Thomas Ampem urged procurement professionals to leverage technology, enforce existing laws, and focus on value-for-money principles, emphasizing that every insistence on local content builds industries that can compete across Africa and beyond.
Expected Outcomes
The government’s efforts aim to transform public procurement into a force for sustainable development, ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the use of public funds.
By curbing procurement irregularities, Ghana can redirect resources towards critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure, ultimately promoting economic growth and development.
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