By: Said Jalloh
The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) has opened a two-day stakeholder engagement workshop and refresher training on the Salone Electronic Government Procurement (eGP) System, with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Fodie J. Konneh, delivering the keynote address and urging public institutions to embrace digital procurement.
Delivering the keynote address, Chief Executive Officer of NPPA, Chief Fodie J. Konneh, urged vote controllers, heads of procurement, finance officers and information technology personnel to take ownership of the transition to electronic procurement. He said the system would improve access to procurement information, strengthen audit trails and expand opportunities for suppliers. Konneh called on pilot ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to conduct their procurement processes through the platform and make effective use of the training.
Deputy Chief Executive Officer of NPPA, Augustine Tommy, said successful implementation of the system would depend on strengthening the capacity of procurement officers and other officials responsible for operating it. He stressed that technology alone could not deliver the desired transformation without adequate training. Tommy said institutional commitment and improved capacity were essential to achieving transparency, accountability and efficiency in public procurement.
Director of eGP, Dr. Babar Turay, said the system was designed primarily for procurement officers and other end users. He urged participants to take the training seriously and work closely with the implementation team. Turay assured them that technical support would be provided to address challenges encountered during the rollout.
Consultant Emmanuel Freeman of AH Consultant emphasized the importance of change management and leadership in implementing the digital procurement reform. He said the transition would require commitment from MDAs, suppliers, civil society organizations and the media. Freeman added that effective leadership and stakeholder engagement would be important in addressing possible resistance to change.
Adams Tommy of the Accountable Governance Project highlighted the project’s support for the eGP system as part of broader efforts to improve resource management and government accountability. He said the project had provided technical expertise and personnel to support implementation. Tommy stressed that continued training and change management would be critical to ensuring that institutions adopt and effectively use the system.
The workshop is intended to strengthen participants’ understanding of the eGP system, improve their practical skills and prepare pilot MDAs for the transition from manual to electronic procurement processes.