By Sulaiman Jalloh
In a bid to further strengthen transparency and accountability in public procurement, the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) in collaboration with the ministry of Finance has on Thursday 29th November, 2024 launched key E-GP documents and signed development contracts with procurement officers.
The program which occurred the ministry of Finance main conference hall in Freetown underscores government commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability among state actors especially the procurement sector.
The Chief Executive Officer, NPPA, Fodie Konneh said “It is a privilege to address you on this remarkable occasion, as we officially launch three transformative documents: the Business Process Reengineering (BPR) Report, the e-GP Implementation Strategy, and the e-GP Policy Framework”, noting the launch marks the signing of the development contract for the Sierra Leone Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system—a landmark step towards modernizing public procurement processes in Sierra Leone, underscoring that the presence of key stakeholders underscores the government’s steadfast commitment to achieving transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public resource management.
According to the CEO, the e-GP system is a bold and transformative initiative that integrates all aspects of public procurement, including vendor registration, annual procurement planning, tendering, and contract management. He stated that ” It is a unified digital platform designed to enhance service delivery, reduce inefficiencies, and ensure accountability at every stage of the procurement process”.
Speaking on the benefits of the documents, Konneh said, the e-GP system is far-reaching by adhering to the Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS), a system that ensures public access to procurement data, fostering trust among stakeholders. Efficiency: he noted that through digitalization they can minimize the time, cost, and operational challenges.
On accountability, he underscored that every transaction will be traceable, providing an auditable trail that enhances public confidence in our procurement practices. “Today’s launch is a culmination of collaborative efforts involving government agencies, the private sector, and our development partners. These documents represent not only our shared vision but also a roadmap for implementing a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable e-GP system”. He maintained
On his part, the Deputy Director for Administration and Human Resources, NPPA, Sylvester B Allieu during his welcome statement said the e-Government Procurement Implementation Strategy, the Framework Policy, and the Business Process Reengineering Documents represent a significant milestone in a journey towards a more efficient, transparent, and accountable public procurement development, supported by the Government of Sierra Leone and the World Bank, underscores their commitment to embracing digital innovation as a tool for driving progress.
According to him, the Implementation Strategy outlines a comprehensive roadmap to transition from manual to electronic procurement processes, ensuring that all stakeholders are adequately equipped and prepared for the transformation.
He stated that the Framework Policy provides the legal and institutional guidelines for implementing e-Government procurement in a manner that aligns with best international practices and ensures inclusivity. He added that the Business Process Reengineering Documents offer a clear pathway for optimizing current procurement workflows, reducing inefficiencies, and fostering seamless integration with the new system.
Director Alieu disclosed that digitization is at the heart of their efforts to improve public sector procurement, by leveraging technology, they are laying the foundation for greater transparency, as electronic systems will enable real-time tracking and monitoring of procurement activities.
Other speakers who made contribution during the launching ceremony include, Deputy Financial Secretary of the ministry of Finance, Morie Momoh And NPPA Board Chairman, Alfred H.Kandeh.
