By Saidu Jalloh
In a significant move aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency, the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) announced it will expand its focus from ordinary bidding to the supervision and monitoring of government contracts. This was disclosed by NPPA CEO, Mr. Fodie Konneh, during a government press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Konneh emphasized that procurement is an integral part of the public financial management system, extending beyond mere purchasing of office items. He noted that the procurement process has faced numerous challenges over the years, which led to the shift from a Centralized Procurement System, managed by the Central Tender Board, to a Decentralized Procurement System. This shift was formalized with the enactment of the Procurement Act in 2004, establishing the NPPA to regulate and harmonize procurement processes across government entities.
Since its inception, the NPPA has been pivotal in reforming procurement processes, including the training and deployment of procurement officers across various councils. Mr. Konneh highlighted that no development sector—be it agriculture, health, education, mining, or engineering—can operate without the involvement of procurement officers.
Mr. Konneh asserted that one of the key improvements he has introduced since his appointment is enhancing efficiency to reduce delays in government processes, which have historically hindered development and service delivery. He revealed that the NPPA has opened its bidding processes to the public and will publicly announce the winners, promoting transparency and public trust.
A critical concern addressed by Mr. Konneh was ensuring value for money in government projects. To this end, the NPPA will now extend its mandate to include the monitoring and supervision of government contracts, ensuring that projects progress as intended and addressing factors leading to their downfall.
Additionally, Mr. Konneh announced plans to transition from paper-based to electronic procurement systems, a move expected to further enhance the efficiency of the NPPA and contribute significantly to national development.
This strategic shift by the NPPA is poised to strengthen accountability, mitigate corruption, and ensure that public resources are utilized effectively for the betterment of Sierra Leone.
