Freetown, Sierra Leone, 18 June 2026 – Members of Parliament serving on the Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Finance have commended the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) for the significant reforms undertaken under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Fodie J. Konneh.
The commendation came during a working visit by the Committee to the NPPA aimed at strengthening collaboration, gaining a deeper understanding of the Authority’s operational mandate, and appreciating the reforms currently being implemented within Sierra Leone’s public procurement system.
Welcoming the delegation, Chief Konneh reaffirmed NPPA’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and constructive engagement with Parliament. He noted that effective oversight and collaboration between Parliament and public institutions are essential for promoting good governance and ensuring prudent management of public resources.
Speaking on behalf of the Committee, the Chairman explained that the visit was intended to foster a stronger working relationship with the Authority and enable Members of Parliament to better understand its activities, successes, and challenges. He noted that such knowledge would place the Committee in a stronger position to explain procurement reforms to their constituents and support the Authority when necessary.
During the engagement, Chief Konneh outlined major achievements recorded since assuming office. These include the accelerated rollout of the Electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) System to enhance transparency, accountability, efficiency, and fiscal discipline; the review of procurement thresholds to respond to inflationary pressures; the clearance of a four-year backlog of Annual Public Procurement Compliance Assessment Reports; and the successful completion of the Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems (MAPS), undertaken with support from the World Bank and the African Development Bank.
The CEO also highlighted the completion of a Management and Functional Review, which resulted in the establishment of a structured career path, staff grading, and improved staff remuneration. Other achievements include the acquisition of additional office accommodation at the Lotto Building, the procurement of three new Hilux vehicles to support field operations, and increased attention to the monitoring of donor-funded projects in collaboration with development partners.
Chief Konneh further informed the Committee of the Authority’s strategic shift from focusing primarily on contract awards to strengthening contract monitoring and implementation. This reform attracted significant interest from Committee members, who requested further updates on mechanisms being developed to ensure contractors deliver projects according to agreed specifications, timelines, and quality standards.
The Committee Chairman expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the Authority and particularly commended Chief Konneh for clearing the backlog of compliance assessment reports despite inheriting the challenge. He also urged the Authority to engage Parliament early in the ongoing review of the Public Procurement Act to ensure legislators are fully informed before the revised legislation is presented for enactment.
Members of the Committee raised questions on procurement compliance, sole-source procurement approvals, enforcement actions against breaches of procurement laws, sustainability of the e-GP system, public awareness efforts, and the linkage between procurement education and professional practice.
Responding, Chief Konneh highlighted NPPA’s collaboration with academic institutions, particularly the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM), to strengthen procurement education and professional development. He also noted that the Authority continues to utilize radio, television, social media, websites, and other communication platforms to raise awareness about procurement reforms and public accountability.
On the sustainability of the e-GP system, the CEO disclosed that NPPA has established an ICT Directorate to oversee the management and long-term development of the platform while continuously building local technical capacity.
The CEO further explained that NPPA works closely with procurement practitioners to ensure compliance with procurement laws and procedures, emphasizing corrective guidance and compliance support where necessary. He also assured the Committee that the Authority remains subject to annual audits by the Audit Service Sierra Leone as part of its accountability framework.
The engagement concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to continued collaboration in support of procurement reforms, improved public financial management, and enhanced service delivery. NPPA also agreed to provide the Committee with a consolidated report on the issues discussed during the meeting.
For more on this or any other issues relating to the activities of the NPPA, please contact us on: info@nppa.gov.sl
