By: Aminata Sesay
The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) and the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen public procurement oversight, particularly in contract monitoring, transparency and citizen participation.
The agreement was signed at the NPPA Secretariat in Freetown by NPPA Chief Executive Officer, Chief Fodie J. Konneh, and BAN National Coordinator, Abu Bakarr Kamara, on behalf of their respective institutions.
The MOU provides a framework for NPPA and BAN to collaborate on public education, research, capacity building and stakeholder engagement in support of reforms within Sierra Leone’s public procurement system.
Speaking at the engagement, Chief Konneh stressed the need for continuous improvement of the procurement system, noting that reforms must respond to emerging challenges across the procurement cycle.
A major focus of the discussions was contract management, particularly the need to monitor contracts after they have been awarded.
The participants noted that procurement accountability does not end with the selection of a successful bidder. Effective contract monitoring is required to ensure that goods, works and services are delivered according to agreed specifications, quality standards, timelines and other contractual requirements.
The engagement also addressed developments in Sierra Leone’s procurement framework, including the move towards the Most Advantageous Bid approach.
The approach allows bids to be assessed on factors beyond price, including quality, technical requirements and other relevant criteria, with the aim of achieving value for money.
For BAN, the partnership is expected to strengthen civil society participation in public financial management and procurement processes.
Mr. Kamara said BAN’s involvement would help facilitate more informed engagement by civil society organizations working in areas such as budgeting, procurement, accounting and auditing.
Under the MOU, the two institutions will undertake joint public awareness and sensitization programmes, capacity-building activities, research and stakeholder dialogues. They will also identify challenges within the procurement system and explore possible reforms through evidence-based engagement.
The institutions further identified access to procurement information and the effective use of digital systems as important areas for improving transparency and efficiency.
The partnership comes amid ongoing efforts to strengthen public procurement practices and ensure that public resources are utilized efficiently and in accordance with established procedures.
The agreement is expected to enhance collaboration between public institutions and civil society in promoting transparency, accountability and value for money in public procurement.