The Public Procurement Authority (PPA) has inaugurated a six-member Complaints Review Committee of its Board to adjudicate procurement-related grievances and help strengthen transparency and fairness in Ghana’s public procurement system.
The committee, chaired by Mrs Lesley Dodoo Esq., has Mr Benjamin Baidoo, Madam Grace Ewoal of the Office of the Attorney-General and the Ministry of Justice, Eng. Samuel Magnus Asiedu, Mr Mark Ziwu, Esq., and Surveyor Rev Allan Okomeng.
Inaugurating the committee, the Board Chair of the PPA, Hon. Basil Ahiable, highlighted the committee’s critical role in reviewing complaints from suppliers, contractors, and consultants involved in public procurement processes.
The committee will operate under Section 80 of the Public Procurement Act, which empowers stakeholders in the procurement process to seek administrative review by the PPA if they believe procurement procedures have not been properly followed.
During the inauguration, the committee was briefed on emerging developments within the procurement landscape, particularly the passage of Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2516, which revised upwards the thresholds for approving authorities and methods.
According to the Board Chair, the regulation is expected to enhance spending autonomy among procurement entities but may also present potential risks if not carefully monitored.
He cited one such risk as the possibility of entities bypassing established tendering procedures by breaking bulk to meet threshold limits, which he said would lead to wrong procurement decisions.
“When such situations arise, suppliers, consultants and contractors are encouraged to report or file complaints with the Authority,” he noted.
He said such situations brought the relevance of the Complaints Review Committee to the fore, as it is responsible for receiving petitions, reviewing responses and evidence from both complainants and procurement entities, and determining the appropriate course of action.
He noted that where procurement entities were found to have violated the required procedure, the committee may recommend remedies, including compensation to affected complainants.
Likewise, he said, a supplier who makes a flimsy complaint may be sanctioned and stressed that the committee’s work would be central to maintaining the credibility of the procurement system.
“The diligence and fairness with which complaints are adjudicated will reflect the integrity the Public Procurement Authority seeks to uphold in Ghana’s procurement processes,” he explained.
He encouraged the committee to familiarise themselves with the Ghana Electronic Procurement System (GHANEPS), as the Authority moves toward a more digital complaint management process.
Hon. Ahiable expressed confidence in the committee, saying that the members ‘professional experiences gave him assurance that they would execute their mandate with integrity, diligence and fairness.
The committee members expressed appreciation for their appointment to the role and assured the Chairman that they would work to deliver the objective of the committee.
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