By: Mohamed Sahr
National Public Procurement Authority with support from World Bank has launched the Sierra Leone Electronic Governance Procurement (e-GP) Policy Framework, Sierra Leone Electronic Governance (e-GP) Implementation Strategy and the Sierra Leone Electronic Governance Governance Procurement Business Process Reengineering (BPR) on Friday 29th November 2024 at the Ministry of Finance’s conference hall in Freetown.
The launch of these documents aim to consolidate public procurement reforms for effective and efficient service delivery.
Fodie Konneh, Chief Executive Officer of National Public Procurement Authority said the unveiling of these three document serve as a landmark event in the history of Sierra Leone towards digital transformation of public procurement. Adding that it marks the signing of the development contract for Sierra Leone Government Procurement System.
He mentioned that the e-GP system is a board transformative initiative that integrate all aspect of public procurement including vendor registration, annual procurement planning, tending and contract management. (It is a unified digital platform designs to enhance service delivery, reduce inefficiency and ensure accountability at any stage of procurement process,” Mr. Konneh said.
The NPPA Chief Executive underscored that by adhering to the open digital standards, the system would ensure public access to procurement data among stakeholders. Stating the merits of thr system, he outlined that through these digitalization, the platforms would maximize and minimize time, cost and operational challenges of traditional manual processes.
He emphasized that the systems provide accountability of traceable transactions as well as produce an auditable trace public confidence in the procurement processes.
Mr. Konneh said the outcome of these documents serves as a collaborative efforts from the Government of Sierra Leone, private sector and the development partners, which demonstrates the roadmap of the shared visions and commitments to providing sustainable electronic governance procurement system.
Morie Momoh, Deputy Financial Secretay of Ministry of Finance said even though there are challenges especially with the manual procurement processes, these digitalization reforms would enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of work. Adding that the tools and features used are simple and easy to understand. “As a government, we are moving with the trend of digitalization,” he said.
Mr. Momoh cited that many corruption practices are mostly happened right from the start of the procurement process. Stating that this platform would eliminate all the anomalies.
He emphasized that the reforms would ensure the establishment of the governance system including the change management system in order for the implementation process to take place. Mr. Momoh added that the reforms serve as testament of government commitment to enhance accountability and development strategy towards the implementation of government’s medium term development plan.
Alfred Kanneh, Board Chairman of the National Public Procurement Authority said the transforming initiative undertook by the NPPA serves as a significant milestone in the country. He urged procurement practitioners to equip themselves with the new trend towards achieving e-governance system at both private and public procurement sectors