PPA issues final warning over breach of procurement rules

The Public Procurement Authority (PPA) has issued a final caution to public procurement entities across the country over persistent non-compliance with statutory transparency requirements under the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663), as amended.

In a public notice signed by Chief Executive Frank Mante, the Authority expressed concern that several entities had failed to meet mandatory obligations under Sections 21 and 31 of the Act.

Section 21 of the Act requires procurement entities to prepare and publish procurement plans on the Ghana Electronic Procurement System (GHANEPS) platform and update them on a quarterly basis.

Meanwhile, Section 31 mandates the prompt publication of contract award decisions using the same platform.

However, the PPA noted that a review of GHANEPS indicates that “some entities had failed to comply with these mandatory requirements,” raising concerns about transparency and efficiency in public procurement processes.

The Authority stressed that compliance with these provisions is not optional, but a legal obligation central to promoting accountability and value-for-money in public spending.

Describing the notice as a “FINAL CAUTION,” the PPA warned that defaulting entities risk public disclosure and enforcement actions if corrective measures are not taken immediately.

“Please be notified that this publication is a final caution to all procurement entities that are in breach,” the statement said.

“We shall publish the names of defaulting entities after this caution and invoke appropriate sanctions as required by law.”

Among the sanctions outlined is a restriction on procurement flexibility. The PPA revealed that its Board will decline to review or approve any requests for single-source procurement or restricted tendering submitted by entities that fail to comply with the law.

The Authority also highlighted the personal accountability of institutional leaders in enforcing procurement compliance. Under Section 18 of Act 663, Heads of Entities bear direct responsibility for ensuring adherence to procurement regulations.

“The Heads of Entity of the defaulting procurement entities must note that they bear direct responsibility to ensure that their entities comply with the law,” the statement emphasised.

The PPA is therefore urging leadership within public institutions to take immediate corrective steps and ensure procurement units operate in full compliance with statutory requirements.