By Kebba AF Touray
The Gambian branch for the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) has been recently launched in Banjul. The institute aims to promote and lead excellence in procurement.
Speaking on the occasion, Madam Fatou Ceesay-Jarju, the Chairperson, said the institute also aims to promote good practice and provides services for the benefit of a procurement community of more than 100,000 members.
CIPS, the chairperson informed, aims to promote and develop high standards of professional skills, ability and integrity among all those engaged in purchasing and supply chain management.
Ceesay-Jarju outlined that CIPS members are required to uphold good code of conduct, ethics, enhance and protect the standing of the profession, maintaining highest standards of integrity, eradication of unethical business practices, enhance proficiency and ensure compliance with laws and regulations regarding procurement.
CIPS Gambia branch chair further disclosed that said their mission include: promote local professional network, promote representation, visibility and management in local environment, develop relations between members and branch, facilitate knowledge sharing and alignment with CIPS strategy.
Ms. Jennifer Akongbota, a representative of CIPS West Africa, informed the gathering that CIPS was established in 1932 as the largest global professional body, and it currently has its members in 180 countries.
She enjoined the procurement officials to be knowledgeable in the work as it requires spending people’s money; as such, procurement should be transparent and accountable.
Mr. Abdoulie Njie of GPA, noted that The Gambia is endowed with human resources and as such, he emphasized the need for students studying procurement, to be focused in order to excel in their career as procurement officers, and better plan the resources for national development.
He averred that procurement was emerging in the last one and half decade, but in the 21st century it’s thriving to lead the world. And, this is why the CIPS branch is formed in the country, to boost and enhance the profession, reasoned the GPA official.
Njie described procurement as one of the most important functions that are called upon at the National Assembly, where the budget is deliberated on. He challenged the students to be proactive, align their conduct with the best procurement procedures so as to maintain and add value to the profession.
Mr. Kainding Sambou of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MoFEA) argued, “While good public procurement is a perquisite for growth and effective public investment, poor governance of public procurement system can turn public investment to major political and economic liabilities.”
He, however, cautioned that poor governance of public procurement could also hinder development goals, outcomes and results in additional costs and waste of public funds.
MoFEA’s Sambou intimated that public procurement is an essential element of governance reform, making up about 15 to 20 percent of GDP and contributes to greater competition, by stimulating trade and fostering direct foreign investment; all of which is guaranteed by competent procurement officials.
Director, Gambia Public Procurement Institute (GPPI), Mr. Kebba AM Sallah, told his audience that public procurement requires transparency and accountability, and that suppliers must be acquainted with the principles and processes of procurement such as planning, efficiency; to prevent fraud and corruption.
Also speaking at the event was Mr. Tijan Jobe, who termed procurement as “a core instrument” in the implementation of any development project of institutions. He charged that a good procurement officer must be honest, transparent, accountable and a person of integrity.
