The President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe has raised serious concerns over Ghana’s procurement system, describing it as “broken beyond repair.”
He said there is a dire need for restructuring.
Speaking on the KeyPoints with Alfred Ocansey, Cudjoe lamented the persistent inefficiencies and corruption in the country’s procurement processes, particularly within state-owned enterprises like the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).
He pointed out that the current procurement framework does not ensure accountability and transparency, leading to financial mismanagement and low morale among employees.
“The procurement system in this country is really broken,” he stated.
“We don’t have to repeat it again, but it’s broken to the extent that we need to fix it. And that’s what my interest really is this morning,” he bemoaned.
Cudjoe further highlighted that ECG and other state agencies lack internal cohesion, with board members and management often working at cross-purposes.
He shared an instance where a key official at ECG revealed that they lacked the power to stop questionable transactions, despite being aware of them.
He proposed the establishment of an independent Value for Money Ombudsman, which would oversee procurement across state-owned enterprises.
According to him, this office should be staffed with experienced professionals, including experts from civil society organizations (CSOs), to review all procurement contracts before they are finalized.
“The Public Procurement Authority (PPA) is broken,” Cudjoe declared. “The independent Value for Money Ombudsman should even take over the whole of Ghana’s procurement process. The PPA should become subservient to this new body.”
Cudjoe stressed that the proposed ombudsman’s office would ensure contracts undergo thorough vetting and cost analysis, with findings made public for further scrutiny.
He noted that a similar system was used in the United States under President Obama to curb procurement-related corruption.
He ended his remarks by urging authorities to implement reforms that prioritize financial accountability and national interest over personal gain.
