The Procurement Unit of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi has intensified efforts to deepen staff understanding of updated procurement regulations through a series of strategic engagements across the University’s colleges.
The initiative is aimed at equipping staff with current procurement regulatory requirements to ensure strict compliance, enhance transparency and minimise procurement infractions in the conduct of university business.
Provost of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CoHSS), Professor Charles Ofosu Marfo, explained that although the Procurement Act itself remains unchanged, the accompanying regulations continue to evolve, making continuous staff orientation both necessary and critical.
“It is about procurement law. The law is one, the Act is one, but the regulations keep changing,” he stated. Prof. Marfo underscored the importance of adhering strictly to procurement regulations, warning that breaches could attract serious scrutiny from oversight institutions such as the Public Accounts Committee.
Deputy Procurement Officer, Mr Kwame Adu-Gyamfi, noted that the training sessions were designed to promote knowledge sharing and address practical challenges associated with procurement processes within the University. “We are here to improve the procurement process and ensure the proper delivery of items,” he said.
According to him, the Public Procurement Authority was established to harmonise procurement practices across the public sector and ensure consistency, accountability and value for money within public institutions.
Mr. Adu-Gyamfi highlighted the central role of fairness and transparency in procurement administration, stressing that every qualified supplier must be given equal access and opportunity to participate in procurement processes.
“Procurement is there to ensure that the process is fair. When an advertisement is posted, and you meet the requirements, you can participate. You do not need to know anybody in the entity before you can participate,” he emphasised.
He also advised staff to comply strictly with laid-down procurement procedures by ensuring that all procurement requests are supported with clear specifications and backed by available funding before any process is initiated.
“Let us make sure that the funds are there before we start the process,” he cautioned, adding that delays in payments to suppliers could adversely affect businesses and compromise service delivery.
