By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu
Accra, July 17, GNA – The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), with the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), has organised a two-day capacity-building workshop on the Ghana Electronic Procurement System (GHANEPS) for Local Accountability Networks (LANets), media practitioners and procurement officers.
The training formed part of GACC’s project, “Building Evidence for Increased Accountability in Ghana through a Multi-Stakeholder Accountability Initiative,” with support from the Hewlett Foundation.
The workshop sought to strengthen transparency and accountability in public procurement by equipping Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), officials of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) and journalists with practical skills to effectively use GHANEPS for procurement monitoring, data analysis and evidence-based advocacy.
Mrs Beauty Emefa Narteh, Executive Secretary of GACC, in an opening address, said the Southern Zone workshop brought together participants from the Greater Accra, Eastern, Volta and Oti regions, including representatives of RCCs, MMDAs, CSOs, GACC’s Local Accountability Networks and the media.
Mrs Narteh said the initiative was aimed at empowering participants to promote greater accountability in public procurement through the effective use of the electronic procurement platform.
“This training is not only about building knowledge. We expect participants to return to their respective regions and use GHANEPS to monitor procurement activities, analyse procurement data, and engage duty bearers using evidence-based findings. Through these follow-up actions, they will help strengthen transparency, accountability and integrity in public procurement,” she said.
Mr Andrew Baafi, Deputy Director in charge of Capacity Development at the Public Procurement Authority, said GHANEPS had significantly reduced opportunities for corruption by limiting direct interaction between procurement officers and service providers.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), he explained that the electronic platform addressed many of the challenges associated with the manual procurement process.
“The system is designed such that once a service provider logs in, tender documents can be purchased, completed and submitted online, thereby eliminating person-to-person contact,” he said.
Mr Baafi assured public institutions and stakeholders of the security and reliability of the platform, noting that it was protected against unauthorised interference.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Finance had directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, as well as Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), to integrate their procurement processes with GHANEPS to enhance transparency and efficiency in public procurement.
He also encouraged citizens to regularly visit the GHANEPS platform to access procurement information relating to their respective assemblies and public institutions.
Participants who spoke to the GNA described the training as insightful and timely, with many indicating that it was their first practical exposure to the electronic procurement system.
Some procurement officers said although they had previously attempted to use GHANEPS, they encountered operational challenges, adding that the workshop had enhanced their understanding and confidence in using the platform.
Members of the Local Accountability Networks also described the training as a valuable opportunity to strengthen citizen oversight of public procurement and pledged to utilise the knowledge acquired to promote transparency, accountability and integrity in their respective communities.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo/Audrey Dekalu
Reporter: Opesika Tetteh Puplampu