Realities of public sector procurement: A case study of two Polytechnics in Ghana.

• Main Authors: Lomatey Isaac Toku, Ishawu Mumuni, Elvis Richard Ganyo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Africa Development and Resources Research Institute (ADRRI) 2020-08-01
• Series: Journal of Arts and Social Sciences
• Online Access: https://journals.adrri.org/index.php/adrrijass/article/view/176

This study was undertaken to assess the extent to which the procurement function is involved in the delivery of the Polytechnic mandate in Ghana. Both primary and secondary data were used. Open ended interviews were used in data collection whereas thematic analysis was applied in data analyses. The research identified that there is well established laws and policies guiding procurement activities, best value for money practices and adequate human resource capacity. However logistics such as vehicles, fax, photo copier machines as well as scanners, telephones and printers are not available in the offices of the procurement function, there is also serious misunderstanding of the procurement process by users and students causing confrontations and procurement departments performing operational but not strategic functions. Based on the outcome of the study it was recommended that; the procurement function should be upgraded to strategic position where it would be independent and be involved in the firm’s long term strategic planning process. Again, Training programmes must be instituted; this requirement should include negotiation skills, strategic skills (consultancy services), operational and functional skills for procurement staff and awareness workshops on procurement procedures for Deans, Heads of Departments (HODs) and student leaders to equip them with the understanding of the procurement process which may help solve some challenges in the buying process.