Accra: Procurement experts have urged Ghana to shift from compliance-driven procurement to a value-centred approach to stimulate economic growth, curb corruption, and attract inward investment. The call was made during the 'Great Conversation' series held in Accra to promote dialogue on strengthening the procurement and supply profession to support business growth and national development.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Ben Farrell, Global Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), emphasized the strategic contributions procurement professionals can make to national economies and business prosperity. He expressed concern about undue external influence in the acquisition of contracts, goods, and services, which he noted contributes to corruption in procurement processes. Mr Farrell urged the Government to safeguard and empower procurement officials to root out corruption and create conditions that would attract inward investment and promote economic prosperity.
He underscored the need for accountability and clear governance structures to address procurement weaknesses and advocated for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) alongside strong ethical standards at institutional and national levels. Mr Farrell also called for improved procurement data systems to support decision-making, structured training and capacity building for officers, and enhanced proficiency across the public sector. He mentioned that the Great Conversation series is being organized in several countries to gather views from procurement professionals on the future of the profession amid global conflicts, trade tariffs, and supply chain disruptions.
Madam Stella Addo, General Manager of CIPS West Africa, cautioned against treating procurement and supply professionals as an afterthought in purchasing decisions. She stressed that procurement professionals should be involved from the planning stage and work alongside stakeholders throughout the process to ensure value for money and reduce corruption. "Procurement professionals want to create the table upon which decisions are made, and they must be recognized not as a compliance function but as a value-adding discipline that brings technical and ethical rigour to the management of public and private resources," she said.
Madam Addo acknowledged the concerns among professionals about the implications of AI and big data but assured that these technologies would enhance rather than threaten the profession, urging practitioners to upskill and adapt. She described the Great Conversation as recognition of the profession's evolution from a transactional role to a strategic function, adding that procurement should help shape national economic planning and management.
Madam Edith Uyovbukerhi, Country Director for Harley Reed Ghana, highlighted the company's collaboration with CIPS as a regional partner to strengthen the delivery of assurance, knowledge, and advisory services. She announced that CIPS would compile submissions from the global Great Conversation series into a landmark document to be published in October, aiming to identify gaps in the profession, guide targeted skills development, and shape the future of procurement globally.