BY: MOHAMED SAHR
Fodie Konneh, Chief Executive Officer of the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA), has urged procurement officers across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to embrace digital innovation to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in procurement processes. Speaking at an engagement held at the Ministry of Finance Headquarters, Konneh emphasized the critical role of procurement in economic development and capacity building.
Konneh highlighted the importance of transitioning from a linear, paper-based system to a digitalized procurement framework that aligns with international standards. “In a decentralized procurement system, there must be a strong regulatory body, and NPPA stands out in this regard,” he stated, underscoring the need for continuous transformation to ensure transparency, fairness, and efficiency.
To modernize procurement processes, Konneh announced the implementation of a suppliers’ database designed to select qualified and reliable suppliers, particularly for government contracts. He assured procurement officers that the NPPA is committed to sanitizing the system and creating an environment where practitioners can easily access information about potential suppliers, enabling informed decision-making in awarding contracts.
Lahai Swarray, Director of Public Procurement, acknowledged the challenges faced by procurement officers within MDAs but emphasized that adherence to best practices is essential to avoid dubious activities. Swarray reinforced the importance of following procurement laws and acts as guiding principles.
Alieu Moigboi, Director of Capacity Building at NPPA, attributed past corruption issues in the procurement system to a lack of capacity and knowledge gaps. Moigboi announced a roadmap for training sixty procurement officers from all MDAs, aiming to equip the third generation of procurement practitioners with cutting-edge approaches and international best practices.
The NPPA’s efforts to digitalize procurement processes and enhance training underscore its commitment to fostering a transparent and efficient procurement system that supports national development goals.
