By: Mohamed Jalloh
The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) on the 19th July 2022 has launched the 3rd quarter price norm for this year at the conference room of the Ministry of economic planning and development.
Ibrahim Brima Swarray the chief executive officer of NPPA seized the opportunity to admonish colleague procurement officers that Sierra Leone would not be ranked A or B by international assessors if they failed in their respective domestic assignments.
He urged colleagues to work with the NPPA to produce timely assessment reports to be tabled in parliament and uploaded in the website of the institution for the perusal of international assessors.
“Having put in a lot of hard work in the last four years it is sad to see the country stuck at C ranking. I am desperate to see the country elevate to A or B in terms of international assessment”, the CEO stressed.
Mr Swarray said the structure the NPPA is putting is for the benefit of every procurement practioner, noting that if the procurement status of the country is elevated it would give opportunity for Sierra Leoneans to be hired internationally as professionals and expatriates.
He underscored the timely submission of reports and analyses which according to him is vital for the country to receive favorable international appraisal.
Mr Swarray stated that the price norm takes into cognizant the inflationary trend of goods and services, hence the reason for the quarterly publication.
The launch of the price norm was supposed to take place during the 1st week of July, but according to the CEO the redenomination of the Leones was taken into account.
The CEO cited the introduction of the new Leone as the main reason for the deferral of the launch of the price norm up to the 3rd week of July 2022.
Mr Fodie Konneh a representative of the procurement directorate of the ministry of finance said yesterday’s launch of the price norm is the 3rd so far, which is subsequent to two previous launches since the beginning of 2022.
Mr Konneh said the launch of the price norm has brought checks and balances between the business community in the private sector and government fiduciary staff.
He underscored the use of the price norm over the years in promoting transparency and accountability in doing business with government which has further augmented the fight against corruption.
Mr Konneh called on procurement practitioners in Ministries, Department and Agencies to support the NPPA in implementing the price norm for a better Sierra Leone.
Mr Daniel Moijueh a board member of the NPPA said the importance of procurement officials should not be underestimated as they command over 60-70% of government expenditure.
He urged procurement officials to be vigilant in their duties because they are dealing with government resources and must ensure that there is value for money in their dealings with the private sector.
