The Ghana Institute of Procurement and Supply (GIPS) has called on all stakeholders to rethink procurement as a strategic driver of industrialisation, economic inclusion and measurable national development. At the second edition of the National Procurement and Supply Chain Conference (NPSC 2026) in Accra, GIPS President Dr. Simon Annan urged that procurement and supply‑chain management move beyond its traditional administrative and transactional function.
Speaking to a gathering of procurement professionals, policymakers and business leaders, Dr. Annan said the sector must become a key engine of economic transformation. “This is the time for the nation to connect procurement more directly to industrialisation, inclusive innovations, resilience and measurable national results,” he declared. He added that procurement professionals can no longer be confined to processing transactions but must help shape policies, strengthen institutions and deliver national transformation.
Dr. Annan also renewed GIPS’ call for the passage of the Procurement Practising Bill, describing the proposed legislation as a potential game‑changer for regulated and ethical procurement practice in Ghana. “We cannot advance world‑class procurement outcomes without competent, ethical and properly recognised procurement professionals,” he said, urging sustained action towards the bill’s enactment.
In a speech read on his behalf, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson urged the adoption of strategic procurement policies that create reliable markets for local businesses and accelerate industrial development. He stressed that government procurement should not be viewed solely as expenditure but as a tool for stimulating domestic production, investment and employment.
GIPS Council Chair Mrs. Evelyn Sam called for resilient supply chains capable of anticipating disruptions, managing risks and strengthening local capacity. She highlighted the need to leverage data and technology to improve procurement systems while ensuring that small and medium‑sized enterprises and emerging businesses benefit from procurement opportunities.
The two‑day conference, themed “Powering Transformation: Smart, inclusive and resilient procurement and supply chains for national development,” featured panel discussions and paper presentations on resilient procurement systems, sustainable development and economic growth.
Moving forward, GIPS and government officials will continue to push for legislative and policy reforms that position procurement as a cornerstone of Ghana’s development agenda.
