The President of the Ghana Union of Trade Association (GUTA) has called for reforms in the “winner takes all” procurement system.

Dr. Joseph Obeng explained that per the current system, the business entity that wins a government contract ends up providing the entire goods or service bid for.

“If the government wants a product of 500,000 pieces, one person supplies all…” he said.

This, he believes, stifles progress of other businessmen or women. “…if the amount is so huge it makes it difficult for some to go for the bidding,” Dr Obeng noted.

According to the business executive, the prudent way would be for the state to split these contracts into lots so more contractors can benefit.

“All that we have to do is to break them into lots so it becomes easy for everyone to go for the bidding,” he stressed.

2019 budget

Speaking on the 2019 budget statement delivered by Ken Ofori Atta, the Finance Minister, Dr. Obeng lauded the government for what he says is an ambitious budget.

“If you look at the budget outline, it is very ambitious and we in the business community believe it will help our course,” he said.

Listen to the audio below