The retreat, held at Sindola in Kanilai, was an initiative aimed at ensuring that the regulatory framework of GPPA is fully compliant with the new GPPA Act 2022.
At the event, Phoday M. Jaiteh, Director General of GPPA, emphasised that public procurement plays an essential role in the socio-economic development of any nation.
“It is through efficient, transparent, and accountable procurement processes that we can ensure the effective use of public resources, foster economic growth, and build public trust in our institutions.”
The 2023 regulations, he went on, are a significant step forward in ‘our continued efforts to enhance these processes, bringing them in line with international best practices while also addressing the unique challenges of our local context.’
“Over the next few days, we will be engaging in thorough discussions, sharing insights, and addressing any potential gaps or ambiguities within the new regulations. Our goal is to ensure that, when we return to our respective offices, we are fully equipped to translate these policies into effective, actionable strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into our day-to-day operations,” he said.
Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MoFEA), Juldeh Ceesay, revealed that the enactment of the GPPA Act 2022 was a milestone in their ongoing efforts to reform and strengthen public procurement in The Gambia.
“However, the effectiveness of any law depends on the quality and clarity of the regulations that guide its implementation. This retreat provides us with the opportunity to refine our regulatory framework to ensure it is robust, comprehensive, and aligned with best practices.”
“It is through procurement that we ensure the availability of essential goods, services, and infrastructure that drive our nation's development.”
Also speaking, Ebrima Sanyang, Director of Procurement Policy and Operations at GPPA, reminded that the success of the retreat hinges on the active participation and collaboration of all stakeholders’ present.
“Your expertise, insights, and experiences are invaluable to this process. We encourage open dialogue, constructive feedback, and innovative ideas as we work together to refine and validate our regulations. It is now our responsibility to ensure that our regulatory framework fully reflects the provisions of this new legislation. This retreat serves as an essential platform for achieving this objective.”
