The Ghana Institute of Procurement and Supply (GIPS) has inaugurated a new Governing Council and Executive body to steer the affairs of the Institute for the next three years, with a passionate appeal to the government to expedite the passage of the long-awaited Procurement and Supply Practising Bill.
The investiture, which took place in Accra, brought together key stakeholders in the procurement and supply chain sector.
The event saw Evelyn Sam sworn in as the new Chairperson of the Governing Council. She is joined on the Council by distinguished members, including Dr Simon Annan, Dr Dela Heloo, Professor Innocent Acquah, Professor Ebenezer Adaku, Araba Kudiabor, Rudolph O. Matey, Dr Ekow Ghansah and George Lomotey.
New executive team
Following a successful election, Dr Simon Annan was retained as the President of the Institute.
He will work with a new team of executives, comprising Rev. Celestine Djane (Vice-President), Elizabeth Osei (Financial Secretary), Samuel O. Boateng (NexGen Coordinator), Joan Affum (Communications Officer), Charles M. Boison (Organising Secretary), Felix Darko-Robertson (Membership Strategist) and Eric Selorm Akoto (Executive Secretary).
Procurement at the heart of development
Delivering her inaugural address, Mrs Sam described the occasion as a defining moment for the profession in Ghana. She emphasised that procurement and supply chain management have evolved beyond a peripheral administrative function to become the bedrock of national development and institutional accountability.
“Procurement is no longer just about buying goods and services. It is a strategic tool for value creation, economic stability and ensuring transparency,” Mrs Sam stated.
She charged the new leadership and the broader membership to move beyond policy aspirations to deliberate action.
“Every contract awarded, every supplier selected, and every process improved directly impacts national development and public trust.
We must uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism to justify the confidence reposed in us.”
Historic step for the profession
In his presidential address, Dr Simon Annan expressed gratitude to the members for renewing his mandate and reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the course of the profession.
He highlighted key achievements from his first term, notably the development and operationalisation of a five-year strategic plan anchored on five core pillars.
However, the central theme of his address was the urgent need for the passage of the Procurement and Supply Practising Bill. He described the proposed legislation as a “historic step” that would formally regulate procurement practice in Ghana.
“Securing the passage of this Bill remains our top priority.
It is the key to formalising our profession, deepening compliance with professional standards, and sanitising the procurement space to ensure that only qualified and ethical practitioners handle the nation’s contracts,” Dr Annan noted.
He added that the new administration would focus on expanding membership, strengthening the GIPS brand as a profession of choice, and ensuring that procurement served as a true driver of national development.
The event underscored the Institute’s commitment to shaping a future where procurement and supply chain management are recognised as critical levers for economic growth and good governance in Ghana.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh