Authorisation means that the institutions can independently carry out procurement within approved thresholds and methods, without seeking prior approval from GPPA, though they remain under its monitoring, audit and guidance.
Speaking at the event, Director of Procurement Policy and Operations at GPPA, Ebrima Sanyang, said public procurement is no longer just a routine administrative function but a major driver of national development.
“Procurement is where a large portion of public resources is spent. If you look at national budgets, you will see how much goes into procurement activities, as its impact is felt in health, infrastructure, education, security and social services.”
Mr Sanyang explained that the 13 newly authorised institutions bring the total number approved through four phases to 57, starting from an initial eight institutions. He noted that all major hospitals and 18 out of 22 ministries, including the Offices of the President and Vice President, have now met the required standards.
However, he added that security services, local government authorities and some educational institutions are yet to be authorised, largely due to gaps in readiness and compliance.
Under the GPPA Act 2022, institutions must undergo a detailed capacity assessment before being authorised. This includes reviewing governance structures, staffing, procurement planning, record keeping, internal controls and past compliance. Authorisation is granted for two years and can be withdrawn at any time if standards drop.
“Authorisation is performance-based, not an entitlement,” Mr Sanyang stressed.
In his remarks, Director General of GPPA, Phoday M. Jaiteh, describes the authorisation programme as part of a broader reform agenda aimed at transforming procurement from a “cost-focused” activity into a strategic function.
“Lowest price does not always mean value for money,” he said. “Procurement decisions must support long-term service delivery, sustainability and the well-being of society.”
Mr Jaiteh also highlighted GPPA’s plans to digitalise procurement processes and introduce new standard documents to reduce discretion and improve transparency.
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Babucarr Jobe, said procurement remains one of the most critical tools for implementing government policy. He reminded authorised institutions that decentralisation does not mean freedom from oversight.
“This authorisation is not a blank cheque,” he warns. “It comes with greater responsibility and accountability.”
The Manager of Compliance and Procurement Practices, Jamila Odum, later outlined the criteria used to assess institutions. These, she mentioned, include the establishment of a functional contracts committee, a dedicated procurement unit, qualified staff, adherence to procurement principles such as transparency and competition, and a clear understanding of procurement procedures.
She said the aim is to ensure institutions can manage procurement responsibly without constant reference to GPPA.
Certificates were later presented to the newly authorised institutions, including the Gambia Fire and Rescue Service, National Human Rights Commission, National Agricultural Research Institute, Gambia Bureau of Statistics, Financial Intelligence Unit among others.
Giving the vote of thanks, Accountant General Agnes Macaulay said the newly authorised bodies are now pacesetters, and urged them to uphold integrity, fairness and value for money in all procurement decisions.
The ceremony ended with a call on institutions yet to be authorised to build their capacity and apply, as the government continues efforts to ensure public procurement truly serves national development.
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