Accra: Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has made a strong case for the passage of the Procurement Practicing Bill, which is currently before Cabinet, to entrench professionalism and ethical conduct in the practice of procurement in the country. In a speech read on his behalf at the investiture and swearing-in of newly elected governing council members and executives of the Ghana Institute of Procurement and Supply (GIPS) in Accra, the minister emphasized that the nation's growth aspirations are directly tied to ethically sound and well-managed procurement, especially in public institutions.
According to Ghana Web, Iddrisu highlighted that procurement has evolved into a strategic function that influences fiscal discipline, service diversity, industrial growth, and public confidence in government systems. He argued that this evolution could lead to an improved quality of life for citizens and enhanced credibility in the eyes of investors and development partners. The minister further stressed the critical role of sound and ethical procurement practice in spearheading the nation's development agenda, advocating for the regulation of the practice.
Iddrisu noted that the modern procurement professional is no longer a passive anchor but a strategic advisor, risk manager, digital analyst, sustainability champion, and innovation driver. This shift, he explained, demands a new level of competence, ethical grounding, and forward-looking leadership from professional leaders.
President of GIPS, Dr. Simon Annan, reaffirmed this vision in his re-election speech, pledging that leadership will steer the institute into a new era of excellence, influence, and global competitiveness. He identified the passage of the Procurement Practicing Bill as a key priority, requiring collaboration with Parliament, regulators, and stakeholders. Annan also emphasized extending the institute's international reach through cross-border partnerships and strategic training programs.
Governing Council Chair, Evelyn Sam, described the occasion as a moment of continuity and renewed commitment, reaffirming the Institute's long-standing vision of ensuring procurement and supply chain professionals in Ghana uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, competence, and excellence. She called for collective intelligence and coordinated actions between industry, academia, and regulators to address emerging challenges facing supply chains and the procurement profession.
Sam urged procurement professionals to demand higher standards and serve as ambassadors of ethical and strategic procurement in their respective institutions. She also expressed gratitude to council members, partners, and stakeholders for their support, calling for sustained mentorship, innovation, and ethical advocacy.