Examining The Effect Of Challenges Associated With Public Procurement Processes On The Efficient Operation Of Abura Asebu Kwamankese District Assembly

Abstract

The study sought to examine the effect of challenges of Public Procurement Processes on the efficient operations of Abura Asebu Kwamankese in the Central Region. The study employed descriptive survey of the mixed approach. Purposive and convenience sampling were used to select 62 respondents to form part of the study. Questionnaire and interview guide were used for the data collection. The quantitative data were analysed descriptively while the qualitative data were analysed thematically with the aid of the research objectives. The study found that political influence, corruption, bureaucracy, lack of accountability and transparency, lack of clear procedure for emergency procurement, lack of funds and cooperativeness of suppliers and contractors are the major challenges associated with the public procurement processes. These challenges affect the efficient operation of the district assembly by providing poor quality of goods and services delivered, no transparency and discrimination in awarding of contracts to contractors and suppliers, difficulty in monitoring and evaluating such projects and supply which undermine the value for money principle as well as delaying or abandoned of projects. These challenges identified can be mitigated by providing understanding to key stakeholders in procurement of goods and services, training/capacity building, professional and competence staff, application of sanction for non-compliance, frequent monitoring by Public Procurement Authority as well as independency of the procurement unit. It is recommended that the government through the various Metropolitan/Municipal/District Chief Executive Officers should ensure that the procurement unit of the various MMDAs is independence and free from any political influence or nepotism/favouritism