By Josephine Sesay

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA), Mr. Fodie J. Konneh, has called on students to embrace integrity, professionalism, accountability, and digital innovation as they prepare for careers in public procurement.

Mr. Konneh made the appeal while delivering the keynote address at a public lecture organised by the School of Public Administration at the University of Management and Technology (UNIMTECH). The lecture focused on enhancing compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2016 through the use of digital procurement systems.

Addressing lecturers, students, procurement professionals, and other stakeholders, Mr. Konneh underscored the critical role public procurement plays in national development. He noted that the delivery of essential public services, including healthcare, education, road infrastructure, and water supply, depends on an effective and transparent procurement system.

He explained that public procurement extends beyond the purchase of goods and services, describing it as a strategic tool for ensuring the prudent use of public funds to improve the lives of citizens.

The NPPA Chief highlighted the significance of the Public Procurement Act, 2016, which provides the legal framework governing the acquisition of goods, works, and services by public institutions. He said the legislation promotes transparency, fairness, accountability, competition, and value for money, adding that strict adherence to the law is essential for strengthening public confidence in government institutions.

Mr. Konneh also encouraged students to acquire digital competencies, emphasizing that the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system represents a major step toward modernising Sierra Leone’s procurement processes. According to him, the digital platform will improve transparency, reduce delays, increase efficiency, and strengthen accountability in public procurement.

Chairing the programme, Mr. Benjamin Kabba Kamara described the lecture as an important initiative aimed at preparing students to become competent procurement professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to national development. He stressed that procurement remains a key function in both the public and private sectors.

In her welcome address, Dean of the School of Public Administration, Ms. Ozainatu Musa Koroma, described the lecture as timely, encouraging students to embrace technological innovations that are transforming procurement systems by enhancing transparency and operational efficiency.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Barbar Massaquoi, Senior Lecturer at UNIMTECH and Director at the NPPA, introduced the keynote speaker and highlighted Mr. Konneh’s extensive professional experience and contributions to procurement reforms in Sierra Leone.

The lecture provided a platform for participants to exchange ideas on strengthening public procurement systems through legal compliance, ethical leadership, and digital transformation.

Concluding his address, Mr. Konneh reminded students that they represent the next generation of public sector leaders and urged them to uphold honesty, professionalism, and accountability in the management of public resources to support sustainable national development.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 29th July 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)