Finance Ministry Reaffirms Commitment to Transparent Procurement — GHANEPS to Become Mandatory from 2026
Accra, Ghana — The Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, speaking on behalf of the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced sweeping reforms aimed at tightening transparency and accountability in Ghana’s public procurement system.
Delivering the keynote address at the 11th Public Procurement Forum 2025, held at the Ghana Shippers Authority in Accra, Mr. Ampem disclosed that from January 2026, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department will cease issuing manual checks, enforcing full adoption of the Ghana Electronic Procurement System (GHANEPS) and its integration with the Ghana Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS).
“From now to the end of this year, all procurement and payment processes at the Ministry of Finance will use this integrated mechanism. Next year, when we begin to enforce compliance across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), we will have the moral right to do so,” the Deputy Minister stated.
He noted that Ghana’s public procurement expenditure, which represents 13–20% of GDP and accounts for about 40% of total domestic revenue (some GH₵87 billion) in 2025, underscores the need for strict adherence to transparent systems.
“Effective procurement is synonymous with fiscal discipline, public trust, and national development,” he stressed, adding that the government is leveraging procurement to promote Made-in-Ghana goods, stimulate local production, and create jobs.
Mr. Ampem emphasized that under President John Mahama’s leadership, the government is committed to “resetting the economy” through transparency, efficiency, and responsible spending. He also revealed that a Public Financial Management (PFM) Compliance Division has been established to monitor adherence to procurement rules and ensure all transactions flow through GHANEPS.
“Our goal is clear: every procurement transaction must be processed through GHANEPS without exception. This is non-negotiable,” he declared.
He urged all public entities to prepare for the transition, noting that excuses such as poor internet connectivity would no longer be tolerated. “Surprisingly, compliance outside Accra is higher, even though connectivity is better in the capital,” he remarked.
PPA Board and Management on the Future of GHANEPS
Speaking to the media, Mr. Basil Ahiable, Board Chairman of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), reiterated that GHANEPS is central to achieving transparency and efficiency in public procurement.
“Utilization is about 45%—a good start—but we must do more. When fully adopted, corruption, red tape and bureaucracies will be reduced, and we’ll save time for more strategic work,” he said.
He highlighted that the PPA Board is focusing on promoting local content and ensuring that the government purse supports Made-in-Ghana goods, particularly in industries such as vehicle assembly and manufacturing.
“We must ensure that we don’t import what we can produce locally. Supporting local industries will create jobs and stabilize the cedi,” Mr. Ahiable stated.
He added that the PPA is assessing the current system’s design and implementation to enhance efficiency and utilization.
GHANEPS: Enhancing Integrity and Efficiency
Mr. Frank Mantey, Chief Executive Officer of the PPA, described GHANEPS as a secure, efficient, and transparent digital platform that eliminates unethical procurement practices.
“Once tenders are submitted online, no late or altered submissions can be accepted. The system blocks any infiltration and prevents manual interference,” he explained.
He added that the integration of GHANEPS with GIFMIS ensures that procurement activities cannot begin unless funds are committed, thus preventing overspending and reducing government debt.
The CEO also underscored that the system is cyber-secure and operates in collaboration with the Cyber Security Authority. He encouraged contractors, suppliers, and service providers to undergo GHANEPS training, as manual tender submissions will be phased out.
A New Era for Public Procurement
The 11th Public Procurement Forum, themed “GHANEPS for Transparency, Accountability, and Efficiency,” marks a critical milestone as Ghana approaches the 30th anniversary of its public procurement reforms initiated in 1996.
Mr. Ampem concluded by urging all stakeholders — government agencies, suppliers, and citizens — to embrace the reforms wholeheartedly.
“Public procurement lies at the heart of economic transformation, job creation, and fiscal prudence. As we approach 30 years of reform, this is our defining moment to build a system worthy of Ghana’s spirit,” he said.
Written by Eugene Nyarko Jnr.
