Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has inaugurated a new Governing Board for the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), charging the members to uphold transparency, ensure value for money, and confront the rising tide of sole sourcing in public procurement.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony in Accra, Dr. Forson congratulated the board members on their appointment and urged them to bring bold leadership to a sector that has too often cost the nation dearly.
He expressed grave concern over the proliferation of inflated and poorly awarded contracts, stressing that “government is paying billions because of the way contracts are awarded.” The Minister questioned why state institutions continue to burden the public with excessive contractual commitments and called for an urgent change in procurement culture.
To help address these challenges, he pointed to recent amendments to the Public Procurement Act and cautioned the board against non-compliance. “Be bold and reject some sole sourced contracts,” he stressed, warning that sole sourcing has become endemic and must remain the exception, not the norm.
Dr. Forson emphasized the importance of competitive tendering as the default procurement method and urged the board to have the courage to decline some sole-sourced contracts.
He revealed plans to soon inaugurate an office dedicated to promoting value for money in public projects, further reinforcing government’s commitment to prudent fiscal management.
Board Chairman Mr. Basil Ahiable, in his remarks, thanked President John Dramani Mahama and the Finance Minister for the opportunity to serve.
He assured the public of the board’s dedication to professionalism and strict application of the law, stating firmly that “the board will not rubber stamp inappropriate decisions.” Mr. Ahiable added that the best procurement method would always be prioritized under his leadership.
The new board is composed of a diverse group of professionals and public officials:
Governing Board Members of the Public Procurement Authority:
1. Mr. Basil Ahiable – Chairman
2. Mr. Justice Srem-Sai – Member
3. Hon. Joycelyn Quarshie, MP – Member
4. Mr. Isaac Faikue – Member
5. Mr. Frank Agyare – Member
6. Hon. Alhaji A.B.A. Fuseini – Member
7. Dr. Ahmed Zakaria Abdulai – Member
8. Hajia Fatima Adamu – Member
9. Mr. Frank Mantey – Member
The Minister concluded his remarks by reaffirming his office’s support for the board’s work and urging them to stay true to the principles of accountability and integrity in the execution of their duties.
