Exploring the factors impeding the Implementation of public procurement system in the procurement of works in Kumasi Metropolis

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Date
2014-10-30
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Abstract
Public procurement is the acquisition of goods, services, and works by a public “authority” or “body”. Transactions of this nature are public undertakings and, therefore, they are governed by Civil, Community, or International Law. It is estimated that Government of Ghana spends huge sums of money in the procurement of works, goods and services for the public sector to prosecute the agenda of public responsibility. It is intended that these procurements made will provide the requisite value for money which will benefit the citizens. The aspirations of realizing a sustainable value for money in the procurement system is becoming unattainable as certain undercurrents underlying procurement practices are defeating this noble purpose. The Public Procurement Law, 2003 (Act 663) is a comprehensive legislation designed to eradicate the shortcomings and institutional weaknesses which were inherent in public procurement in Ghana. A Ministry of Finance Review Report in (2011) revealed that public procurement expenditure between the periods of 2004 and 2008 grew from 20 to 24 percent of the country’s GDP. The aim of this research is to explore thoroughly the key factors that impede implementation of the public procurement policies in public procurement entities and objectives set is to uncover the factors that impede transparency and fairness in the public procurement system and to identify unethical practices. This research adopted a quantitative strategy of survey questionnaire. Out of the 25 questionnaires distributed, 24 of them representing 96% were completed, and these were used in the analyses. The findings revealed 70.9% of the respondents affirmed the declined level of transparency, 75% of them had complied with rules of advertisement. Additionally, 92% of the respondents confirmed their experience of impediment in the performance of their duties. 58% agreed that inadequate and luck of trained professionals could affect public procurement processes. Using Relative Importance Index, the following were ranked as the key factors that impedes public procurement; Lack of transparency in procurement processes (1st), Lack of accountability (2nd), Insincerity in procurement processes (3rd).Finally there is a strong revelation by this research which indicated that, a poorly managed procurement system affects different elements of society and denied it citizens of a good social amenities support that is provided through public projects like (e.g. roads, hospitals, schools housing and power).A battle against corruption and unethical activities should begin with a strong political will and explicit commitment to eradicate all its manifestations.
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A thesis submitted to the Department of Building Technology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Award of Master of Science in Procurement Management,
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