By IPRP Communications Unit
Participants at the one day meeting at Vanilla complex
The Independent Procurement Review Panel (IPRP) has engaged Ministries Department and Agencies (MDAs) as well as Local Councils in Freetown on a one day procurement stakeholders meeting on the core mandate of the IPRP. The day confab took place at the Vanilla Complex in Aberdeen on 14th May 2025.The theme “Strengthening the Strategic Partnership between NPPA, IPRP and MDAs”
Speaking during the session the chairman James Koroma recognized the chairman of the IPRP Dr. Emmanuel SaffaAbdulai for his effort in transforming the IPRP, adding that during his tenure more MDAs and Local Councils recognize the work of the IPRP.
He further that the IPRP is charged with the responsibility of reviewing complaints and appeals from dissatisfied bidders about a procuring entity’s choice for awarding procurement contracts.
The chairman informed procuring entities in Freetownthat the IPRP plays a vital role in the procurement especially when petition is being reported against any procuring entity.
He said government disburses over 85 percent of tax payers’ money to procure for government entities, adding that the IPRP and NPPA complement each other in their functions.
He maintained that as Panel during their first six months in office the panel was able to save the government over sixty billions of Leones pertaining to procurement irregularities stemming from procuring entity.
Mr Koroma further reiterated that Panel members would continue to maintain transparency and accountability in the course of their duty.
The chief Executive Officer of the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) FodieKonnehsaid such an event was very timely as it marks a critical juncture in the journey toward a procurement ecosystem that is not only efficient and cost – effective, adding that transparent , accountable, and driven by the highest standards of integrity.
The NPPA boss noted that over the last decade, Sierra Leone’s procurement landscape has undergone transformative change, noting that the enactment of the Public Procurement Act, 2016 provided a robust legal foundation, as well as complemented by detailed Regulations.
He said a robust Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is indispensable to uphold fairness and confidence in public procurement, stressing that GRM serves as a structured process through which bidders and contractors can raise concerns about procurement procedures, seek clarification on award decisions, and request corrective action when needed.
Konneh said institutionalizing clear, accessible channels for dispute resolution, the GRM not only protect the interest of individual participants but also enhances the credibility and integrity of the entire procurement system.
He said the GRM operates on three –tier framework andtier 1 Entity – Level Resolution, tier 2 NPPA Review and lastly IPRP.
Head of Programmes Centre for Accountability and the Rule of Law (CARL), Jeremy Ben simbo said such an event reminded stakeholders on the importance of the PPA of 2016, adding that such a document is designed to ensure that public procurement in Sierra Leone is transparent, accountable and efficient.
He further that the Act establishes a clear framework for managing public procurement processes and aims to mitigate the risks of corruption, inefficiency, and mismanagement of public resources.
Simbo said the IPRP was established to play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with procurement law, adding that despite clear provisions of the Act compliance remains a significant challenge among MDAs and Local Councils.
The session was climaxed with questions and answers as well as group presentations from t participants.
