Why the Programme has been Developed:

The Government of Ghana embarked on procurement and financial management reforms for the Public Sector in 1996. As a consequence of these reforms the Public Procurement Act, Act 663 of 2003, was promulgated in order to streamline and harmonise procurement rules, regulations and practices in the Public Sector. The objectives of the improved Public Procurement and Financial Management System were better economy, efficiency, accountability and transparency. It is expected that the reported corrupt practices in the procurement of goods, works and services would be curbed and the capacity of the Government of Ghana to provide needed essential services for the people of Ghana enhanced. At the same time, the Government would be enabled to fulfill its long-term strategies of economic growth and poverty reduction.

The promulgation and subsequent introduction of Act 663 ushered in new structures, regulations, methods, procedures, approved levels and thresholds for undertaking procurement activity in and with the Public Sector and placed huge responsibilities on the Private Sector as a major stakeholder in this new era. It has become apparent that the insufficient and inadequate procurement capacity of Procurement Practitioners poses a big challenge to the successful implementation of the Act. In recognition of the increased responsibilities and work-based competences now required of Procurement Practitioners and Professionals within the Public Service, the Technical Working Group of the Public Procurement Authority has developed a structured career progression path for their employees.

Current capacity building initiatives aim to provide Ghana’s procurement system with a continuous stream of skilled and competent manpower for both the Public and Private Sectors. One of these initiatives is to establish a medium-term intensive in-service training course which includes a practical and more detailed study of Act 663 and which allows participants to develop, discuss and apply the fundamental concepts of procurement in order to support their on-going work and professional development.