By Arret Jatta
The Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA) has authorized over 20 bodies which include ministries, hospitals and institutions to conduct procurement activities on their own. The authorization event took place at the National Assembly on Tuesday 19 March 2024.
The Director General of GPPA, Mr. Phoday M Jaiteh announced that the authorization has signified another remarkable milestone in the evolution of public procurement in The Gambia.
“As we convene for the authorization ceremony of the 2nd cohort comprising 20 Procuring Organizations, we witness the realization of a vision for decentralization within our procurement landscape. With this ceremony, the total number of authorized institutions will increase to 30,” he stated.
Mr. Jaiteh expressed that decentralization of Public Procurement brings forth a multitude of effects and impacts, all poised to positively shape the efficiency and effectiveness of the country’s procurement processes. Empowering these institutions to conduct procurements at the institutional level without prior approval requests to the Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA), “we are not merely streamlining procedures, but also fostering a culture of autonomy and accountability”.
The First decentralization enhances agility and responsiveness, “by situating procurement decision-making closer to the point of need. These authorized procuring organizations can promptly address the specific requirements and challenges faced by their respective institutions. This agility translates into swifter project implementation, reduced bureaucratic hurdles, and ultimately, enhanced service delivery to our citizens”.
Ibraima Sanyang, the Director of Procurement Policy and Operations explained that GPPA was created by an Act of Parliament purposely to regulate government procurements in The Gambia, and all operations of the Authority are guided by an ACT.
“According to Section 12 (3) of the said Act, procuring entities will be authorized to conduct their procurements independently when they are assessed and found to have adequate capacity to do so,” he said.
This authorization program, he said, was designed to empower various government agencies and entities to manage their procurement functions effectively while adhering to the highest standards of transparency and integrity.
“By granting autonomy to these institutions, we aim to streamline procurement processes, enhance operational efficiency, and promote greater responsiveness to the needs of our citizens”, he stressed.
Ansumana Sanneh, the Deputy Permanent Secretary delivered a statement on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance saying the GPPA plays a pivotal role in ensuring that public procurement activities adhere to the highest standards of accountability and fairness.
“The Authority’s mandate is not only to regulate but also to empower institutions to carry out their procurement functions effectively. Today, I am pleased to announce the authorization of 27 institutions by the GPPA to undertake their procurement activities independently” he said.
He added that this authorization is not merely a formality but a testament to the confidence placed in these institutions, to uphold the principles of good governance and stewardship of public resources.
Here is the list (second batch)of organizations authorized by GPPA.
Ppl k
National Roads Authority
Office of The President
Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital
Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation
Kanifing General Hospital
Bundung Maternal Hospital
Gambia Maritime Administration
National Audit Office
Bansang General Hospital
Gambia Revenue Authority
Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education
Ministry of Agriculture
Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs
Ministry of Tourism and Culture
Bwiam General Hospital
Gambia Ferry Services Management Company
Ministry of Public Service
Gambia Printing and Publishing Corporation
Gambia International Airlines
OIC Secretariat, Gambia Farafenni General Hospital
Ministry of Higher Education, Research. Science and Technology
Ministry of Petroleum and Energy
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Int’l Co-operation and Gambians Abroad Ministry of Justice.