...Signs MOU with ACC
June 27, 2019
By Abdul Fonti – Communications Strategist (Office of the President)
The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) has on Wednesday June 26 2019 officially opened its Southern Region Office in Bo, under the distinguished leadership of its Chief Executive, Ibrahim Brima Swarray.
The launch of the Bo office also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the NPPA and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), to support fiscal discipline.
Chief Executive of NPPA, Ibrahim Brima Swarray said the current developments at the NPPA, under his leadership, were mere first steps in a long journey.
He assured that the NPPA, as a procurement regulatory body, will continue to be proactive and save government finances from slippages.
“In this new direction, the NPPA will ensure that the huge percentage of government finances going to procurement are judiciously utilised,” he said.
Decentralisation, he pointed out, will enhance the work of the NPPA across the country, noting that now that Bo and Makeni have established structures, Kenema is next on line.
He called on all stakeholders to brace up for electronics procurement (e-procuremnt).
He encouraged all to put national interest above self-aggrandizement.
“All hands should be put on deck to save this nation from corruption,” he said.
The collaboration between the NPPA and ACC will immensely support fiscal discipline and accountability, he assured.
Delivering his keynote address, the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Francis Ben Kaifala said the new branch will open up and support the nation’s accountability space.
Anti-corruption institutions, he said, are set up to regulate corrupt human tendencies.
“If we support NPPA, ACC, Audit Service and all governance structures and infrastructures to succeed, we will all enjoy the enormous benefit of this beautiful nation,” he said.
Paramount Chief (PC) of Kakua Chiefdom, while delivering his welcome address, said he was extremely elated over the establishment of an NPPA office in the southern region.
The new office, according to him, will effectively support the ‘oversight functions’ of the authority to ensure government funds are judiciously utilised in the area of procurement.
The Chairman of NPPA Board of Directors, Alfred Kandeh described the launch of the new edifice as an almost fifteen years long dream come true.
“I am very proud to be part of this history,” he expressed.
According to him, Sierra Leone finds itself in the current economic dilemma as a direct result of poor planning, willful and reckless spending and corruption of all sorts and magnitude.
The NPPA, he said, will ensure and enhance proper planning and expenditure control in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.
Deputy Chairman Public Account Committee in the House of Parliament described the current NPPA Chief Executive as vibrant, competent and thorough, noting that he has no doubts that the current leadership will ensure accountability in all spheres.
Leader of Government Business in the House of Parliament, Hon. Sidi Tunis expressed appreciation to the NPPA leadership for extending an invitation to the House of Parliament to witness the latest history being made in the fight against corruption.
The launch of the new office will ensure councils and all MDAs comply accordingly to procurement rules and regulations.
Parliament, he said, will continue to support the leadership of the NPPA, while showering praises on the NPPA Chief Executive as a determined young man.
He lauded the decision of His Excellency the President to appoint youthful Francis Ben Kaifala at ACC and Ibrahim Swarray to lead the country’s fight against graft in various spheres.
He called on all to remember the anti-corruption leaders in prayers as ‘corruption fights back’.
The Bo City Council Mayor Representative said the launch is an indication of government’s drive to decentralise activities.
He expressed happiness that the NPPA is finally in the south to enhance processes and procedures.
Similar sentiments were expressed by the Kenema City Council Representative.
Minister of State South officially cut the tape to open the new office.