The Ghana Institute of Procurement and Supply (GIPS) is calling for a shift in how procurement is viewed and managed, urging stakeholders to position it as a strategic tool for industrialisation, economic inclusion and measurable national development.
President of GIPS, Dr. Simon Annan, said procurement and supply chain management must move beyond its traditional administrative and transactional role to become a key driver of economic transformation.
Speaking at the second edition of the National Procurement and Supply Chain Conference (NPSC 2026) in Accra, Dr. Annan said procurement professionals must play a more active role in shaping policies, strengthening institutions and supporting Ghana’s development objectives.
“This is the time for the nation to connect procurement more directly to industrialization, inclusive innovations, resilience and measurable national results,” he said.
He added that procurement professionals could no longer be confined to processing transactions, but must contribute to policy development and national transformation.
“We have to move beyond reimagining procurement as a tool for national growth and reposition it to underpin the nation’s growth aspirations. Professionals can no longer remain confined to processing transactions; we must help shape policies, strengthen institutions and deliver national transformation.”
GIPS pushes for Procurement Practicing Bill
Dr. Annan also renewed GIPS’ call for the passage of the Procurement Practicing Bill, describing the proposed legislation as a potential game-changer for regulated and ethical procurement practice in Ghana.
He argued that strengthening the profession through legislation is critical to improving procurement outcomes.
“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.”
Gov’t urged to use procurement to create markets for local businesses
In a speech read on his behalf, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson urged the adoption of strategic procurement policies that can create reliable markets for local businesses and accelerate industrial development.
He said government procurement should not be viewed solely as expenditure, but also as a tool for stimulating domestic production and investment.
“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.
GIPS calls for resilient supply chains
Council Chair of GIPS, Mrs. Evelyn Sam, meanwhile, called for more resilient supply chains capable of anticipating disruptions, managing risks and strengthening local capacity.
She stressed the need to leverage data and technology to improve procurement systems while ensuring that small and medium-sized enterprises and emerging businesses benefit from procurement opportunities.
“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 said.
The two-day NPSC 2026 conference brought together procurement professionals, policymakers, business leaders, experts and academics to discuss ways of strengthening procurement practices in Ghana.
Held under the theme “Powering Transformation: Smart, inclusive and resilient procurement and supply chains for national development,” the conference featured panel discussions and paper presentations focused on resilient procurement systems, sustainable development and economic growth.
