By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

The National Procurement Authority (NPPA) in partnership with the government of Sierra Leone, the World Bank, and African Development Bank, has  introduced a platform called Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems (MAPS) in the country.

Officials were speaking to pressmen at the conference hall, Sierra Palms Hotel, Lumley Beach in Freetown, on Thursday 5th December, 2024.

The Chief Executive Director, Fodie Konneh, revealed among other things that the

NPPA introduction of MAPS is meant to ensure that government procurement

processes and systems become more accountable, transparent and efficient so that it would become of benefit to the people of Sierra Leone, especially under government’s ‘Big Five Game Changers’.

He said it will not only make President Bio’s vision become successful but it will be an enormous improvement on the overall life of the people of Sierra Leone.

He noted that since 2018, President Bio, had been putting structures and policies in place that would impact positively on the lives of the people.

And so by reviewing and transforming public procurement systems is in the country, he said, is a good initiative.

One of the officials said the reason why NPPA is conducting the MAPS at this point in time is to march up with global standards on procurement procedures.

Adding that, all over the world, procurement systems are essential for boosting agricultural activities, on improving education and on strengthing health facilities among several necessities and facilities for the benefit of the people.

In his statement, Alfred Bob Kandeh, Board Chairman NPPA, said the purpose of conducting MAPS is to identify the strengths and weaknesses in the system and to be able  correct any anomalies where necessary.

Adding, once procurement goes electronic there will be little to worry about  errors.

He noted of some of the interventions he had personally initiated from 2023 to date, among them, which include, the review of procurement thresholds, the signing of the e-GP in record time, nationwide supplier registration, contract monitoring. He spoke of the e-GP readiness which will be informed by staff training.

He talked of NPPA financial contributions to the African Public Procurement Network, and among several interventions.

However, the Deputy of NPPA, Chief Executive Officer, Augustine J.J Tommy lamented that despite the successes of NPPA over the years, the institution has some challenges.

Procurement has its own advantages and disadvantages, he said.

He also gave a brief synopsis of the MAPS exercise and how it will benefit the country.

Sharka Momoh who was representing the African Development Bank (AfDB), said MAPS will be create space for more digital systems, adding that the country will benefit in the future.