Developing capability of public sector procurement in Ghana: An assessment of the road subsector client

摘要

The Ghanaian public sector procurement is experiencing a paradigm shift from a clerical role to a more strategic function targeting optimum achievement of value for money. For this to be fully realised, the skills of the workforce must be developed to meet contemporary expectations. Underperformance and misapplication of the public sector procurement function has been linked to a shortage of an adequately-skilled workforce. This study was designed to ascertain the nature and level of professional development required to enhance competencies of the workforce for successful delivery of the procurement function. The study employed questionnaires and interviews in a mixed methodology to collect data from the procurement management workforce within the Ghanaian Road Subsector. The findings of the study suggest weaknesses in key skill areas required of modern procurement practice which inhibit the achievement of maximum value for money. Up-skilling is recommended through appropriate training and continuous professional development with focus on the key areas identified.