A procurement expert, Anthony Abotsi-Afriyie, MCIPS (CS), has warned that Ghana risks deepening systemic corruption and worsening audit infractions if the government does not immediately address emerging procurement breaches.

His call follows a recent directive compelling all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to buy school desks from only eight selected suppliers.

Delivering the keynote address at the 10th Anniversary Conference of the Local Government Procurement Professionals Association of Ghana (LOGPPAG) in Takoradi, Mr. Abotsi-Afriyie said the procurement sector continues to suffer widespread irregularities, with seven out of ten audit queries in governance institutions linked directly to procurement activities.

He noted that in 2024 alone, procurement and contract irregularities cost the nation over $1.9 billion, an amount he described as “almost two-thirds of Ghana’s $3 billion IMF bailout.”

Mr. Abotsi-Afriyie expressed worry over a November 13, 2025 directive from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs instructing all MMDAs to invite only eight suppliers to bid for the procurement of standardised metal-framed school desks.

He questioned the basis for restricting the procurement process, noting that the ministry’s letter, signed by the sector minister, made no reference to any approval for restricted tendering by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA).

“Preliminary checks at the PPA show no such record,” he said, adding that the procurement in question does not meet any of the three legal conditions required under Section 38 of the Public Procurement Act for restricted tendering.

He raised a series of critical questions about the directive arguing that if the government already has a standardised design for school desks, those standards should simply be included in tender documents and opened to all eligible suppliers.

“There are obviously more questions than answers,” he stated. “I respectfully call on the PPA to urgently step in and streamline this process.”

The procurement specialist stressed that transparency remains the most powerful safeguard against political interference, manipulation, and inflation of contract values, warning procurement officers to resist “orders from above” that breach the law, and reminding them that the Right to Information Act makes every procurement officer “one RTI request away from grave exposure.”

“Procurement is a solution, not part of the problem, and should not be made to appear so,” he added.

Mr. Abotsi-Afriyie said procurement accounts for 70–80% of government expenditure at all levels, making transparency indispensable for good governance.

He urged procurement practitioners to uphold ethical standards and remain steadfast despite pressures.
“Your output is the driving force of our local governance service. Do not underestimate the value of the work you churn out daily,” he said.

The two-day LOGPPAG anniversary celebration brought together procurement professionals, policymakers, and representatives of oversight institutions to discuss reforms aimed at reducing procurement-related losses and promoting accountability within local government systems.