The Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA), in collaboration with the National Assembly, has successfully concluded a three-day training program designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of parliamentary staff in public procurement.
The capacity-building initiative brought together members of the National Assembly’s Contracts Committee, the Specialised Procurement Unit (SPU), and senior administrative officials. The training focused on strengthening governance systems, improving compliance with the Public Procurement Act, and ensuring greater transparency and efficiency in the management of public resources.
Procurement as a Driver of Development
Opening the program, GPPA Director General Phoday M. Jaiteh emphasized the central role of procurement in national development. He noted that a significant share of the national budget is spent through procurement, directly shaping the quality of infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
“When procurement is handled professionally, it builds infrastructure and creates jobs. When it is mismanaged, it cripples the economy, stifles growth, and erodes public trust,” Jaiteh said.
He outlined three pillars of the new procurement framework:
- Strategic Procurement — prioritizing value for money beyond the lowest bidder, with attention to quality, cost-effectiveness, and socio-economic impact.
- Digital Transformation — introducing digital platforms to enhance transparency and reduce irregularities.
- Accountability — reinforcing oversight roles of the National Assembly and regulatory institutions.
Fiscal Discipline and Governance
Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Madam Juldeh Ceesay, highlighted procurement’s role in promoting fiscal discipline and accountability. She stressed that effective procurement systems are essential for safeguarding public resources and ensuring efficiency in government spending.
GPPA’s Director of Procurement Policy and Operations, Ebrima Sanyang, described the training as timely, given ongoing reforms under the GPPA Act 2022 and Public Procurement Regulations 2024. He explained that the reforms aim to close implementation gaps, strengthen compliance mechanisms, and improve accountability in resource utilization.
“The effectiveness of procurement systems depends not only on strong legal frameworks but also on the capacity of institutions and practitioners to apply them effectively,” Sanyang noted.
Parliament’s Oversight Role
Clerk of the National Assembly, Kalifah M.M. Mbaye, underscored procurement as a cornerstone of accountable governance. He stressed that the Assembly must lead by example in adhering to procurement regulations, noting that credibility in oversight depends on internal compliance.
“To demand accountability from others, we must first demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the highest standards within our own institution,” Mbaye remarked.
He added that the training was designed to improve professional competence, eliminate procedural weaknesses, reduce audit queries, and strengthen internal controls.
Building a Transparent System
The training covered all stages of the procurement cycle — from planning and bid evaluation to contract management and compliance monitoring. Participants were urged to apply the knowledge gained to strengthen procurement systems within the National Assembly.
The initiative reflects GPPA’s ongoing commitment to building a transparent, accountable, and efficient procurement system in The Gambia, ensuring that public resources are managed with integrity and aligned with national development priorities.
