Prof. Ebo Turkson Urges Incoming Gov’t to Review Procurement Laws to Enhance Public Spending Efficiency
Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Ghana, Ebo Turkson, has called on the incoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration to revise Ghana’s procurement laws.
He argues that inefficiencies in the current system lead to inflated costs and reduced value for money in public spending.
Speaking during a NorvanReports and Economic Governance Platform X Space discussion on “Fiscal Sustainability Amid Tax Cuts and Manifesto Promises,” Prof. Turkson highlighted instances where prices for goods and services procured by the government have been inflated up to five times the market rate.
“The incoming government should look at the national procurement laws now that they have the majority in parliament. I won’t call it corruption, but I don’t think Ghana receives value for money in public spending. Delays in payments to contractors and service providers often result in prices being quoted at quadruple or even quintuple the market price,” Prof. Turkson stated.
He suggested that Ghana could adopt best practices from the World Bank and other countries to improve efficiency in public procurement.
“We can learn from the World Bank and other countries that use public procurement more efficiently to reduce public spending—not just on goods and services but also in public sector compensation,” he noted.
The call for a review of the procurement laws to create a stronger, more transparent system aimed at preventing revenue leakages and ensuring better accountability has also been made by IMANI Africa.
According to IMANI Africa, Ghana’s heavy reliance on single-source procurement, especially for high-value contracts, has introduced significant weaknesses into the procurement system.
Speaking further during the X Space Discussion, Prof Turkson also emphasized the need for sustainable fiscal consolidation as Ghana exits its current International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.
He urged the government to reassure citizens that fiscal reforms would not be short-lived.
“Ghana must come out of the IMF programme stronger than it entered. Fiscal consolidation should not be a one-off process. The government must address concerns around financing and create a robust fiscal framework to provide adequate fiscal space,” he concluded.
Prof Turkson’s remarks underscore the importance of addressing inefficiencies in public procurement and fiscal management as part of broader efforts to stabilize Ghana’s economy.
