The Public Procurement Authority (PPA) has confirmed that the mandatory implementation of the Ghana Electronic Procurement System (GHANEPS) will significantly reduce corruption in public procurement. This system eliminates direct contact between procurement entities and suppliers, a key factor in past corrupt practices. The PPA expects this digital transformation to enhance transparency and efficiency across all government contracts.
Andrew Kwadwo Baafi, Deputy Director for Capacity Development at the PPA, stated that the Minister of Finance has directed all state institutions to use GHANEPS. The platform is also integrated with the national payment system, further streamlining processes. Once procurement plans receive approval, they are uploaded onto GHANEPS, allowing interested suppliers to identify opportunities and participate in competitive bidding.
This initiative is a crucial step in Ghana's ongoing efforts to combat corruption and improve public financial management. Public procurement, which involves substantial government spending, has historically been vulnerable to malpractices. The shift to an electronic system aligns with broader national strategies to digitize government services and enhance accountability. It also reflects a commitment to ensuring that public funds are utilized effectively and transparently.
Mr. Baafi explained that GHANEPS replaces the manual procurement system, which often created opportunities for undue influence through face-to-face interactions. Procurement entities now prepare plans, publish tender documents, receive bids, and conduct evaluations electronically. These evaluations use pre-disclosed criteria before contracts are awarded, ensuring a fair and objective process. He emphasized, "From the beginning to the end, there is no physical interaction between the parties because the entire process is done electronically."
While acknowledging that no system can completely eliminate corruption, Mr. Baafi asserted that GHANEPS will substantially reduce corrupt practices. It will strengthen transparency, improve competition, promote value for money, and enhance public confidence in the procurement process. This digital overhaul is designed to create a level playing field for all suppliers, fostering a more competitive and ethical environment for public contracts.
The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) is actively supporting this transition. Beauty Emefa Narteh, Executive Secretary of GACC, highlighted a recent training workshop in Accra. This workshop equipped participants from various regions, including Greater Accra, Eastern, Volta, and Oti, with practical skills. They learned to monitor procurement activities, analyze procurement data, and engage duty bearers with evidence-based findings. This capacity building is vital for effective oversight of the new system.
Participants in the GACC workshop expressed optimism about GHANEPS. Emmanuel Bilbe, a procurement officer at the Kadjebi District Assembly, believes the system will minimize corruption by ensuring compliance with procurement regulations. Fortune Dzorgbenyuie Loglo, Regional Procurement Officer at the Oti Regional Coordinating Council, noted that the workshop reinforced procurement reforms and improved efficiency. Richard Kofi Dake, a Local Accountability Network (LANet) member, added that the training strengthened civil society's capacity to monitor procurement, detect possible bidder collusion, and promote accountability.
The successful implementation of GHANEPS will depend on continued training, robust system maintenance, and vigilant oversight from civil society organizations. Decision-makers and markets will closely watch the system's impact on the cost and efficiency of public projects. A reduction in corruption could lead to significant savings for the state, potentially freeing up funds for other critical development initiatives.