Inclusive, measurable industrial growth tied to sustainable procurement - GIPS

President of the Ghana Institute of Procurement and Supply (GIPS), Dr Simon Annan, has made a strong case for procurement and supply chain to be positioned as a strategic driver of inclusive and measurable national development, rather than being treated merely as a transactional or administrative function.

Addressing the second edition of the National Procurement and Supply Chain Conference (NPSC 2026) in Accra, he emphasized that procurement must spearhead industrialization, inclusion and innovation for tangible economic outcomes.

“This is the time for the nation to connect procurement more directly to industrialization, inclusive innovations, resilience and measurable national results,” he told a gathering of policymakers, captains of industry, and professionals in the procurement and supply chain fraternity.

He added: “We have to move beyond reimagining procurement as a tool for national growth and reposition it to underpin the nation’s growth aspirations.

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Professionals can no longer remain confined to processing transactions; we must help shape policies, strengthen institutions and deliver national transformation.

To achieve this noble agenda, Dr Annan renewed the institute’s advocacy for the passage of the Procurement Practicing Bill, describing the legislation as a game-changer for regulated and ethical procurement practice in the country.

“We cannot advance world-class procurement outcomes without competent, ethical and properly recognized procurement professionals. We therefore renew our call for sustained action towards the passage of the bill,” the GIPS boss further stressed.

The two-day conference convened procurement professionals and experts, policymakers, business leaders and academia to proffer workable and sustainable inputs for prudent procurement practice in Ghana.

Themed “Powering Transformation: Smart, inclusive and resilient procurement and supply chains for national development”, the conference featured panel sessions and paper presentations on building resilient procurement systems to support sustainable development and economic growth. In a speech read on his behalf, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson called for strategic procurement that creates markets for local industries to accelerate national development.

“Government does not only spend, it also creates markets. Procurement and supply must be linked to industrial policy to create reliable markets for local businesses, encourage investments and generate employment,” he said.

For her part, GIPS Council Chair, Evelyn Sam, called for resilient supply chains that could anticipate disruptions, diversify risks and strengthen local capacity.

“Smart procurement should be driven by data and technology; inclusive procurement must create meaningful opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises and emerging businesses,” she noted.