By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

In a landmark launching program at the Ministry of Finance’s Headquarters at George Street in Freetown, the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) officially unveils the Electronic Government Procurement policy.

The product is a framework implementation strategy and business process reengineering platform. It was launched on Friday, 29th November, 2024 to change the standards in procurement practice over the years.

The Chief Executive officer of NPPA, Fodie Konneh told pressmen that the transformation of procurement processes from documentation to e-GP digital system is aimed at sorting out challenges as the platform will create confidence and integrity for bidders, government departments and agencies globally.

“The e-GP policy framework, business process reengineering (BBR) and e-GP implementation strategy aim to enhance annual report standards, transparency, with emphasis on time limitations, and it will address poor procurement systems,” Mr Konneh said.

A representative from the Ministry of Finance, Morie Momoh, said the change of dynamic is marked by radical reform and it is a true testament of a universal policy appeal.

He was aware of the many procurement challenges by fraudsters occurring from bidding stages, adding that sometimes bidders are in the habit of presenting fake bank documents to clients.

But, with the e-GP this unprecedented crisis will be curbed; as it would make life easier for all MDAs.

The launching of the e-GP platform represents a milestone achievement for the country’s workforce and Sierra Leoneans all.

Alie Bangura, a Local Consultant, said the

move to develop an e-GP at form started wayback in 2016-2018 with World Bank and other key partners playing a great role in its assessment and research.

He said the recommendations on  sensitization were done earlier than expected.

Noting that the e-GP has been completed, and its implementation will start come Monday 2nd December, 2024 with a full support by the government and other critical stakeholders like government respective ministries.

He said MDAs should be using the e-GP system on undertaking their procurement activities right across.