Latest news with #MDAs
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio Receives Annual Public Procurement Compliance Reports, Urges Digital Reforms to Curb Wastage
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially received the Annual Public Procurement Compliance Assessment Reports for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 from the Chief Executive Officer of the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA), Mr. Fodie J. Konneh. The reports provide a comprehensive evaluation of public procurement practices across 178 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), local councils, and government-funded projects nationwide. They serve as a critical tool for assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, and legal compliance of the public procurement system, while also identifying year-on-year progress, persistent challenges, and offering actionable recommendations for improved accountability and value for public spending. Presenting the reports on behalf of the NPPA Board, Management, and Staff, CEO Fodie J. Konneh thanked President Bio for granting audience for the presentation, which fulfills a statutory mandate to prepare an annual report on the overall functioning of the public procurement system, including a profile of procurement activities. Mr. Konneh highlighted that the reports were developed through an evidence-based assessment process, with a focus on compliance with procurement laws and regulations, contract management efficiency, trends in procurement methods and thresholds, and strategic recommendations aimed at strengthening institutional performance. He noted a significant increase in the use of competitive procurement methods, particularly open bidding, which has become more widely adopted across MDAs. Compliance levels have improved steadily, from 40 percent in 2021 to over 60 percent in 2023. However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, including weak recordkeeping, insufficient procurement planning, and gaps in post-award contract management. The CEO further underscored the NPPA's commitment to driving transformative reforms, noting that since his appointment, the Authority has laid a solid foundation to digitize procurement processes. He explained that embracing digital systems would help eliminate wastage, enhance transparency, and ensure value for money in public expenditures. In his response, President Julius Maada Bio expressed gratitude to the NPPA leadership and staff for their diligence in compiling the reports. He reiterated his government's commitment to maximizing value for public funds through improved procurement practices and welcomed the push for digital transformation in the sector. 'As a government, we are focused on delivering value for money. That's why we have laws and institutions in place to enforce accountability,' the President said. 'I commend your reform efforts, especially in moving procurement activities online, which will reduce physical interaction with funds and minimize wastage.' President Bio acknowledged the resource constraints under which the NPPA operates but praised the team's commitment to controlling public expenditure. He encouraged the Authority to remain vigilant, stating, 'Even when some try to beat the system, your hard work must ensure that integrity prevails.' He also called on the NPPA to mentor the next generation of procurement professionals: 'Use your expertise to guide and train others. This is a statutory function and essential to public service delivery. Your continued hard work in the public interest is vital to avoiding misconceptions about the important work you do.' The presentation ceremony marks a significant milestone in the country's ongoing efforts to institutionalize transparent and efficient public procurement processes that serve the interests of the state and its citizens. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
Zawya
25-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Finance Minister Outlines Measures to Tackle Ghana's Large Payable Build-up in 2024
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has outlined a comprehensive plan to investors aimed at addressing the country's large accumulation of government payables in 2024, while reinforcing fiscal discipline and transparency across public financial management. Speaking at meeting with investors in Washington DC, USA, Dr. Forson highlighted key reforms and policy actions underway to restore confidence in Ghana's fiscal framework and stabilize its macroeconomic outlook. Auditing Payables&Commitments At the heart of the plan is a government-commissioned audit of all outstanding payables and commitments. The Ministry of Finance has engaged the Auditor General, alongside two independent audit firms, for an intensive eight-week review. 'The objective is to verify the legitimacy and accuracy of these claims,' the Minister explained. 'The findings will guide the implementation of corrective actions to resolve any irregularities and improve accountability going forward.' Strengthening Commitment Controls To prevent the recurrence of unapproved expenditures, the government has amended the Procurement Act. Effective April 3, 2025, no government contract will be approved without prior commitment authorization from the Ministry of Finance. 'This measure is critical for enhancing spending controls and ensuring full compliance with the Public Financial Management (PFM) Act,' the Minister said. PFM Act Amendment and Fiscal Rules The government has also amended the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), to introduce two major fiscal rules. The first is a debt rule that targets a reduction in the debt-to-GDP ratio to 45% by 2035. The second is an operational rule mandating an annual primary surplus of at least 1.5% of GDP on a commitment basis. An Independent Fiscal Council has been established to monitor adherence to these rules and to enhance transparency and credibility in public finance. Enforcing Compliance and Oversight In a further move to institutionalize fiscal discipline, the Ministry has operationalized a new Compliance Division tasked with monitoring how Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) adhere to fiscal commitments. A newly appointed Director is now leading the division's efforts. Additionally, the government will introduce a Public Financial Management Commitment Control Compliance League Table to publicly rank MDAs based on their expenditure control performance. Restoring Confidence 'These actions underscore our commitment to resolving legacy financial obligations, enforcing spending discipline, and creating a transparent and credible financial management system,' the Finance Minister said, assuring investors of the government's resolve to maintain stability and support long-term growth. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance - Republic of Ghana.
Zawya
24-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Kaduna Central gets $1mln for 18 zonal intervention projects in 2025 — Senator Adamu
The Senator representing Kaduna Central senatorial district, Senator Lawal Adamu, has announced that 18 zonal intervention projects, worth N2.66 billion, have been approved for implementation in the district in 2025. This was stated in a release by the Director-General of the Senator Lawal Adamu Constituency Project Office, Abdulrasheed Abdullahi. The statement noted, 'These initiatives aim to address critical infrastructure and development needs across various sectors, including roads, healthcare, water supply, electrification, environment, agriculture, and economic empowerment.' According to Abdullahi, 'The district will benefit from projects to be executed by five key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), with the following allocations: Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation – N1.45 billion Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security – N1 billion Secretary to the Government of the Federation – N100 million Federal Ministry of Environment – N59 million Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development – N50 million.' The statement further outlined the breakdown of projects and their respective costs: Provision of solar boreholes in Rigachikun, Unguwar Rimi, and Sabuwar Unguwar Mu'azu – N100 million Provision of solar-powered boreholes in selected communities – N200 million Supply of transformers in selected communities – N400 million Provision of medical outreach in various communities – N200 million Supply of fertilisers to farmers – N200 million Construction of Sir Gbagy Street, Chikun LGA – N155 million Construction of Fulani Road by Gayan Road, Nassarawa, Chikun LGA – N155 million Construction of Rahma Close Behind GT Bank, Kaduna South LGA – N155 million Construction of Ashapa Street, Birnin Gwari, Kaduna South LGA – N155 million Construction of Luwaw Road by Accra Road, Unguwan Rimi, Kaduna North LGA – N155 million Construction of Shagari Road, Badarawa, Kaduna North LGA – N155 million Erosion control and construction of a 1km road at Kaya Road (Stores), Giwa LGA – N160 million Construction of Hysaed Close Road, Kajuru Town, Kajuru LGA – N155 million Construction of Dattawa Road North Rigasa by Masallaci, Igabi LGA – N155 million Provision of solar lights in Kaduna South – N50 million Training and empowerment on modern mining processes – N50 million Construction of solar-powered borehole for climate change adaptation – N18.5 million Community-based solid waste management project – N40 million. Abdullahi stated, 'These projects are tailored to address the immediate needs of communities in Kaduna Central and are part of our broader commitment to equitable and inclusive development.' He added, 'Stakeholders, including traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and the public, are expected to actively participate in the monitoring and evaluation process to ensure transparency, efficiency, and community ownership of these projects.' Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
08-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ghana: No Contract Approvals Without Commencement Authorisation
In a move to enforce fiscal discipline and eliminate financial recklessness in public administration, Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that no government contract will be approved without prior commencement authorisation from the Ministry of Finance, effective April 3, 2025. The directive was delivered at a recent meeting with Chief Directors and senior officials from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), where Dr. Forson made it clear that the days of unchecked contract approvals are over. 'You cannot award contracts without the express approval of the Ministry of Finance,' he stated emphatically. 'No commencement certificate, no procurement.' The Minister explained that every government contract must now obtain commencement authorisation. Dr. Forson underscored that this is not just an administrative change but a legal mandate under the Amended Public Financial Management Act, 2025. He warned that any breach of this directive will attract serious consequences. 'The Ministry of Finance will no longer take the fall for fiscal indiscipline,' he said. The Minister called on all public officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity and patriotism in the management of public funds. 'We are among the privileged few. We cannot continue to subject our people to hardship through poor governance and financial mismanagement,' Dr. Forson stated. He emphasized that Ghana's path to fiscal responsibility begins with strict adherence to budget implementation processes, transparency, and accountability across all levels of government. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance - Republic of Ghana.
BBC News
05-03-2025
- Business
- BBC News
FG launch TMRAS, new platform for revenue collection - Wetin you need to know
Nigeria government don direct all ministries, agencies and departments for di kontri make dem get ready to begin use Treasury Management and Revenue Assurance (TMRAS) for all financial transactions - revenue collection - as dem move to put an end to di use of Remita. For inside one press statement on Tuesday, Office of Accountant-General of di Federation (OAGF) tok say, di new platform go enable Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to generate bank statements, activate fast deduction and remit tax including Value-Added Tax (VAT), Withholding Tax (WHT) and Stamp Duty. Di statement tok say TMRAS and Remita go run di same time from 4 March, 2025 for di period of two months. Di statement say di policy go achieve effective treasury revenue assurance and improve budget performance for all ministries, departments, and agencies. "Di Treasury Management and Revenue Assurance (TMRAS) go coordinate, streamline, and manage federal government revenue collections and payments for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs)," e tok. Wetin be Remita and TMRAS? Remita na di payment platform wey dey facilitate di remittance of funds (taxes, levies and tariffs) wey MDAS dey generate into federal government Treasury Sngle Account, TSA. Remita wey bin dey CBN-licensed, na electronic solution wey dey enable fast transaction for every financial transaction for efderal goment revenue and allow generations of receipt from vendors and contractors. On di oda hand, TMRAS go dey broader dan Remita, e go help wit di collection of public fund, receipt from di transaction and manage di public funds to create more transparency for di public sector for all goment payment platforms, according to government. TMRAS na platform to help oda payment platform including Payment Solution Service Providers (PSSPs) to connect into di federal government treasury. "E go guarantee di liberalisation of goment revenue payment processes, enhance revenue collections, and e go aid efficient, timely analysis of di information regarding such transactions," di statement tok. "Di Treasury Management and Revenue Assurance (TMRAS) go now allow dis oda payment platforms to connect. So, e no go be only Remita, but all di oda payment service providers wey dey licensed by di CBN go fit operate." How di use of TMRAS concern me as Nigerian? On Tuesday, Office of Accountant-General of di Federation (OAGF) tok say di launch go happun in two phases. First phase go cover di collection of payment in Naira wey go allow di generation of bank statements, generate bank statements, activate fast deduction and remit public funds from vendors, contractors, among odas. Second phase go start on June 1 , 2025 and e go cover di collections of payments in foreign transaction from MDAs. Dis phase go also cover activation of MDAs budget. TMRAS go allow MDAs to get access to dia funds wey dey wit CBN and spend within di approve budget limit. E go help manage and provide report to OAGF on di 50% automatic deduction of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from Federal Government Agencies and Parastatals. Nigerians go easily make payment for dia vehicle registration, NIN, International passport, among odas wit TMRAS into di treasury single account. Di system go easily generate receipt for dia transaction and create transparency for public funds, according to di statement from government.
