Accra: Mr. Ebenezer Opoku Agyeman, the Deputy Director for Management Information Systems at the Public Procurement Authority, has urged procurement officers not to sidestep the Public Procurement Act to avoid committing offences. He emphasized the importance of being well-versed in procurement laws to properly advise heads of institutions who may pressure them into engaging in improper procurement practices.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Agyeman made these remarks during a workshop organized by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) in collaboration with the Public Procurement Authority Ghana. The event, aimed at educating procurement officers, Local Accountability Network (LANet) members, civil society organizations (CSOs), and media personnel from the Western and Central Regions, focused on the Ghana Electronic Procurement System (GHANEPS). Supported by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the training offered insights into procurement laws, methods, amendments, reforms, and the applicability of the Procurement Act.
Mr. Agyeman highlighted that the GHANEPS has been introduced to prevent breaches and corruption, ensuring speed and transparency in procurement processes. He noted that the system has been integrated into the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).
Mr. Harrison-Cudjoe, the Programme Officer at GACC, representing the Executive Secretary, Madam Beauty Emefa Narteh, stated that the training would enhance procurement monitoring and promote accountability in public procurement.
Mr. Enoch Attoh, a Procurement Officer from the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal Assembly, praised the facilitators for their clear and detailed presentation, particularly on the GHANEPS. He expressed confidence that the system would be central in eliminating corruption and other issues in procurement processes if properly implemented.
Mr. Kenneth Kpodo, a civil society representative, mentioned that the information obtained on GHANEPS would aid Local Accountability Network members in effectively monitoring projects to improve accountability. Meanwhile, Mr. Isaac Arko, a media representative, noted that the knowledge gained would enable him to produce accurate reports, thereby fostering a better understanding among the public.