The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has taken a significant step toward promoting transparency and accountability in public financial management with a four-day intensive procurement training programme aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and ensuring strict compliance with national regulations.
The training, held from April 13 to 16, 2026, was organised by the University’s Procurement Office in collaboration with the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) and the Division of Human Resource. It brought together management and procurement staff at the Registrar’s Conference Room to build practical skills and deepen understanding of Ghana’s procurement framework.
In her welcome address, the Head of Procurement at UEW, Mary Dzimey, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to upholding high procurement standards and maintaining compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 633), as amended.
“Today represents a new beginning in our procurement journey. We are pleased to welcome our partners from the Public Procurement Authority and look forward to a fruitful engagement that will enhance our operational efficiency,” she stated.
Madam Dzimey noted that UEW continues to rank among leading public institutions in adhering to procurement regulations, stressing that strong collaboration between regulatory bodies and institutions is key to sustaining progress.
Facilitating the training, the Director of Capacity Development at the PPA, George Osei-Poku, assured participants of a practical and impactful learning experience. He encouraged active participation, noting that the programme was structured to combine both theory and hands-on application.
The opening sessions focused on foundational procurement principles, including an overview of Ghana’s legal framework, procurement planning, tendering processes, contract awards and contract management. Participants were also introduced to key compliance requirements and documentation standards essential for effective procurement practices.
Mr. Osei-Poku underscored the strategic importance of procurement in public financial management, revealing that a substantial portion of Ghana’s national budget is channelled through procurement activities.
He emphasised that efficient procurement systems are critical to achieving value for money, promoting transparency and minimising corruption in public institutions.
A major highlight of the training was the introduction of electronic procurement systems, designed to reduce human interference, enhance accountability and streamline procurement processes. Participants are expected to undertake hands-on sessions using digital tools to improve their operational efficiency.
The training also addressed recent amendments to procurement laws, including the introduction of commitment authorisation, revised approval thresholds and the incorporation of sustainability considerations into procurement processes. These reforms are expected to reduce bureaucratic delays and align Ghana’s procurement systems with international best practices.
Participants were further encouraged to familiarise themselves with procurement manuals, standard tender documents and regulatory guidelines, while placing strong emphasis on ethical conduct, proper record-keeping and strict adherence to competitive processes.
The initiative forms part of UEW’s broader commitment to institutional strengthening, accountability and prudent management of public resources.
Advocacy Focus: Strengthening Systems for National Development
Beyond capacity building, the training highlights a broader national imperative—ensuring that public procurement systems serve as instruments for development rather than avenues for inefficiency and waste.
By investing in staff training and embracing digital procurement systems, the University of Education, Winneba is positioning itself as a model for public sector accountability. Stakeholders across government institutions are being urged to prioritise similar capacity-building initiatives to safeguard public funds and improve service delivery.
As Ghana continues to reform its procurement systems, initiatives like this underscore the critical role of compliance, transparency and professional competence in driving sustainable national development.
