GIPS Launches Local Procurement Journal

The Ghana Institute of Procurement and Supply (GIPS) has finally launched an official journal for procurement professionals, practitioners, policy makers, students, and the general public.

Addressing the press in Accra on the need for the journal, Mr. Charles Taylor, chairman of the Central Tender Review Committee of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, said that the journal would create the needed avenue for procurement professionals.

He revealed that practitioners, as well as students, would be able to share their pertinent topical issues by way of featured articles, expressed opinions, and best practices on general procurement.

“They will not only benefit from the GIPS journal by way of education or information, but it will also deepen their understanding on contemporary procurement issues”, he said.

According to him, Ghana had suffered from the countless abuse of its public procurement through the activities of some individuals in both public and private organizations, and called for a public education on the matter.

“There is therefore the need to intensify the campaign to educate the general public on general procurement issues on a professional and sustainable manner.” he stressed.

He noted further that the journal should not be considered as an ordinary magazine, but one with the purpose of enhancing the work of the modern procurement professional.

“This modern journal will contribute to the new paradigm shift in procurement and supply and serve as one of the reference points for knowledge repository as far as the practice of procurement and supply in the country is concerned”, he added.

He reckoned the need for an amendment to section 64 of the PPA (Act663) and Act914 in which negotiations are allowed in the procurement of goods and works.

He again encouraged procurement colleagues to strive to be ethically strong and make right savings for their individual organizations and give true meaning to the profession.

Mr. Taylor took the opportunity to express his profound commendation to the leadership of GIPS for their vision and sense of direction in bringing out the journal, and thanked the stakeholders for their diverse contributions in supporting its production.

By: Sally Gonyo and Abigail Karikari