Thomas Nyarko Ampem, the Deputy Minister for Finance, has announced that the government will introduce reforms to the country’s public procurement system.
These measures are aimed at preventing the loss of billions of cedis annually due to irregularities.
The Deputy Minister explained that this initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen accountability and ensure value for money in public spending. He made the disclosure while speaking at the National Procurement and Supply Conference in Accra on Saturday, September 20, 2025.
The conference’s theme was “Transforming Public Procurement for Sustainable Development: Policies, Practices and Pathways.”
Mr. Nyarko Ampem cited a report from the Ghana Institute of Procurement and Supply (GIPS), which estimates that Ghana loses approximately GH¢2.36 billion each year due to procurement breaches.
He described this as a drain on scarce resources that could otherwise be used to build hospitals, schools, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
“Why are we spending more on inefficiencies and infractions than on the most vulnerable in our society? Procurement inefficiencies rob us of opportunities to create jobs and expand access to critical services,” the Deputy Minister stated.
He identified unauthorized procurements, inconsistent evaluations, poor supervision, and vague specifications tailored to favor specific suppliers as some of the irregularities that would be addressed.
The Deputy Minister also noted that the government has already amended the Public Procurement Act, making commencement certificates and budgetary allocations prerequisites for all central government-funded procurements.
Furthermore, he stated that the Ministry of Finance has established a PFM Compliance Division to enforce adherence through the Ghana Electronic Procurement System (GHANEPS).
“This legislation is expected to raise standards and give procurement the strategic importance it deserves,” he noted.
He added that Cabinet is currently considering the Procurement Practising Bill, which aims to professionalize the procurement function, curb malpractices, and embed sustainability and anti-corruption safeguards.
These reforms, according to the Deputy Minister, align with the 24-Hour Economy Programme, which prioritises local production, green procurement, and job creation.
Mr. Nyarko Ampem also advised procurement professionals to embrace technology, strictly enforce existing laws, and insist on value-for-money.
“Every insistence on local content builds industries that can compete across Africa and beyond,” he added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
