One of the achievements of President Julius Maada Bio is the appointment of results oriented young professionals in his government. These young people have demonstrated proficiency in their various departments. One among them is Ibrahim Swaray, Chief Executive of the NPPA. Ibrahim Swaray was appointed by President Bio in 2018 and entrusted with a whole National Institution to man its affairs. He has proven beyond all reasonable doubt and can achieve more if only he gets the support of his staff and the public.
On Tuesday, 8th September 2020, the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) launched the published second edition of the Public Procurement Manual at the Atlantic Hall, Nation Stadium Hostel, in Freetown.
The first Public Procurement Manual was released in 2006 following the enactment of the Public Procurement Act, 2004 and the promulgation of the Public Procurement Regulations, 2006. The Public Procurement Manual is a key document in public procurement encompassing explanations of the provisions of both the Act and Regulations. The second edition of the Public Procurement Manual was reviewed by a consultant and the NPPA before it was published and launched.
The Chief Executive of the NPPA, Mr. Ibrahim Brima Swarray in his statement said procurement is not a clerical job as perceived by many but a professional one. He highlighted the challenge faced by procurement officers in their work and the non-adherence to their advice by some vote controllers. He however assured that such challenge will be overcome if procurement practitioners add value to their profession and career. The Chief Executive informed that within the past two years, the NPPA has reviewed the Public Procurement Regulations, the Standard Bidding Documents and the Manual. He pointed out that the Manual explain step by step each procurement process and procedure. The Chief Executive, whilst encouraging procurement practitioners to make good use of the Manual in their procurement activities, informed the gathering that the NPPA will soon embark on a nationwide training of procurement practitioner on the use of the Manual and implored all practitioners to seize the opportunity and improve on their knowledge and skill. The launching ceremony was climaxed with a question and answer session.
