The Chairman of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), Mr Basil Ahiable, has urged Parliament to expedite the passage of the Procurement Professionalisation Bill currently before the House, describing it as critical to strengthening Ghana’s public financial management framework.

Mr Ahiable said the Bill aligns directly with the President’s Reset Agenda, which seeks to build a disciplined, efficient and performance-driven public sector. He noted that public procurement accounts for an estimated 40 to 50 per cent of total government expenditure, making reforms in the sector essential to achieving fiscal discipline.

According to internal PPA assessments and international benchmarks, Ghana could save at least two to three billion cedis annually through the full professionalisation of procurement. He explained that such savings would stem from improved sourcing processes, fewer procurement infractions, enhanced value-for-money controls and a reduction in financial leakages.

Mr Ahiable pointed out that countries which have invested in building procurement capacity and enforcing professional standards have recorded significant gains in transparency, cost efficiency and public confidence.

“Professionalising procurement is a national development imperative,” he said. “A procurement system grounded in certified professionals and strong ethical standards will support the President’s Reset Agenda by cutting waste, strengthening accountability and ensuring real value for every cedi spent.”

Supporting the call, the Chief Executive Officer of the PPA, Mr Frank Mante, highlighted the operational and long-term benefits of the proposed legislation, saying it would help establish a new ecosystem of highly skilled procurement professionals capable of safeguarding public resources.

“This Bill represents one of the most important efficiency milestones for Ghana’s future. It will build the capacity needed to better protect the public purse,” he stated.

The President of the Ghana Institute of Procurement and Supply (GIPS), Dr Simon Annan, also expressed strong backing for the Bill, stressing that it would entrench professionalism and ethical conduct in public procurement.

“Professionalisation is the foundation of ethical, transparent and value-driven procurement. Passing this Bill will enhance professional integrity and position Ghana among global leaders in procurement excellence,” Dr Annan said.

Mr Ahiable concluded by reaffirming the PPA’s commitment to supporting the reform process through technical assistance, capacity-building frameworks and transitional guidance for public institutions once the Bill is enacted.

“This reform is about protecting national resources, improving service delivery and rebuilding public trust. The time to act is now,” he emphasised.