THE National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) is a crucial partner in implementing the government’s ‘Big Five Game Changers’ agenda. As the government’s expenditure control arm, the role of the NPPA in national development cannot be overemphasized. The institution’s leadership takes this responsibility seriously.
The NPPA, under the dynamic leadership of its new Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Fodie J. Konneh, has made great strides in enhancing efficiency in public procurement processes. He came to the NPPA with a wealth of experience in public sector procurement. He also has vast experience in public financial management systems. The progress he has made since assuming office is remarkable. Mr Konneh’s commitment to his job and hands-on leadership are commendable, and they align well with the president’s Big Five Game Changers agenda: “Feed Salone (Agriculture), Human Capital Development, Youth Empowerment Scheme, Revamping the Public Sector Architecture, Technology and Infrastructure.”
As procurement is the primary channel the government uses to provide basic services for its citizens (including the Big Five Agenda), the dedicated Chief Executive Officer is committed to ensuring effectiveness and transparency in procurement process. Since assuming office in late 2023, Mr. Konneh has made concerted efforts to ensure efficient service delivery. Procurement practitioners, bidders, and other stakeholders now have better access to the NPPA’s services. The CEO has an open-door policy and ensures all correspondences, including those requesting ‘no objection’ for procurement activities, are responded to in a timely manner.
The NPPA, with World Bank support, recently launched the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) Tender Document, aiming to enhance transparency, fairness, accountability, and effectiveness in public procurement. The electronic procurement transaction is designed to save time and money by preventing duplicate spending, leveraging volume buying, and saving costs associated with paper-based systems. Electronic procurement will make it easier for MDAs to write, analyze, and store reports on their procurement systems. The e-procurement process eliminates unnecessary activities, freeing up time for more valuable tasks. The e-GP system will be implemented in collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure that the desired result is achieved. Special attention will be given to ensuring accessibility for all.
As the institution marks its 20th anniversary this year, the leadership is focused on consolidating all the reforms that have taken place over the years. One key reform priority Konneh’s leadership at the NPPA is to ensure that Sierra Leone’s donor partners conduct a Country Procurement Assessment Report (CPAR) using the Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems (MAPS). MAPS will help to evaluate how well the procurement system operates in the country. It is a tool that helps all countries improve the effectiveness and efficiency of public procurement.
Konneh’s leadership also aims to enhance the Annual Public Procurement Report, enabling MDAs to demonstrate to stakeholders that their procurement spending is utilized effectively to achieve:; Better public services. Social, economic and environmental outcomes in their area, and A range of local and national policies, e.g., those relating to tackling inequalities and meeting climate change obligations.
The report also provides information on how well MDAs consult and engage with stakeholders. The procurement strategy and annual procurement report are now part of the NPPA’s reporting landscape.
The current leadership is implementing institutional reforms and operational strengthening, including management reviews, career development pathways, increased monitoring, and capacity building.
It is evident that, with the current crop of motivated leadership and team spirit, the NPPA is gearing towards achieving its avowed goals.