Chartered
Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) – The Gambia chapter was Saturday
launched at the Gambia Hotel and Hospitality Institute in Kanifing. The
institution was established in 1932 to promote good practices and provide
services for the benefit of procurement committees of more than 100,000
members.
The
launching brought together students and stakeholders working in the procurement
field.
Fatou
Ceesay-Jarju, chairperson of CIPS Gambia chapter said the institution is based
in the United States as a global professional body working in the purchase and
supply profession. She said CIPS aims to promote and develop high standard of
professional skills, ability and integrity among all those engaged in
purchasing and supply chain management.
She
said the institution has its code of conduct, including promotion of the
eradication of unethical business practices and enhancing the proficiency and
status of the profession amongst others, which all members are required to
abide.
Mrs.
Ceesay-Jarju noted that as a chapter, their aim is to support the CIPS mission
in The Gambia and to provide interesting and informative events for their
members.
Deliberating
on the importance of procurement and supply in socio-economic development of
The Gambia, Kainding Sambou from the Ministry of Finance and Economics Affairs
said procurement is an essential element of governance reform that makes up to
15% to 20% of the GDP. “It contributes to greater competition by stimulating
trade and fostering direct foreign investment,” he said.
According
to him, a poor procurement system can turn public investment into major
political and economic liability and it can hinder development and outcomes. He
said delay in payment could hurt cash flow and ability to supply which can put
progress at risk”.
Mr.
Sambou advised students to maintain the values of the profession, saying they
should hold government accountable for their actions.
Representing
the West Africa Region 1, Jennifer Akongbota said the objective of setting up
CIPS chapter in The Gambia is to foster relationship among procurement
professionals, adding that there is need to have a representation and an
association in the country.
She
encouraged procurement practitioners to join the national body for national
development, saying their next plan is to organise training for members to
better capacitate them.
