Why are procurement officials not invited with heads of public institutions in enquiries?

Anytime heads of ministries, departments and agencies are hauled before the investigative agencies such as the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on procurement breaches, procurement heads of these institutions are not invited to answer for their actions. 

The inclusion of the heads of procurement departments will help unearth facts in the application of the Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663) and the Standard Operating Procedure in the procurement cycle leading to breaches.

With established organisational structures, all procurement-related matters are initiated by the department with the roles and responsibilities of procuring goods and services.

Boards of directors formulate policies to be implemented and executed by management, within laid out approval limits and thresholds to ensure proper oversight and guidance.

Procurement units of institutions need to conform to the principles and practices of procurement, such as transparency, fairness, value for money, integrity, accountability and efficiency; needs assessment, risk analysis, cost-benefit analysis, due diligence; methods of procurement and prequalification of suppliers, contractors and service providers.

Best practices in procurement can minimise breaches.

Emmanuel Tetteh Mensah,
Oyibi near Dodowa. 
E-mails: yprocure.Eye@gmail.com/tetteh200005@gmail.com