Competitive tendering remains a cornerstone of procurement in the Asutifi North District Assembly, ensuring transparency, accountability, and value for money in the use of public resources. The assembly follows the guidelines set out by Ghana’s Public Procurement Authority (PPA), aligning with the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) as amended, and implementing best practices in procurement processes.
In early 2024, the Asutifi North District Assembly adopted an electronic procurement (e-procurement) platform to streamline the tendering process. This system enhances transparency, reduces the time taken to complete procurement processes, and minimizes human intervention, which can be a source of errors or corruption.
The introduction of online tender notices and bid submission options has led to increased participation from bidders, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which had previously found it challenging to engage in the tendering process due to geographic and logistical barriers
The assembly continued to use both open and restricted tendering methods. Open tendering was the preferred option for large contracts, promoting maximum competition, while restricted tendering was used for specialized services where a limited number of suppliers existed.
The evaluation of bids was carried out by an independent evaluation committee, adhering to a transparent scoring system based on cost, technical specifications, past performance, and compliance with tender requirements. Contracts were awarded to bidders who demonstrated the best value for money, with an emphasis on timely and quality delivery.
As of 4th May 2024, the Asutifi North District Assembly has made significant strides in improving its competitive tendering processes through the adoption of digital solutions and capacity-building initiatives. While challenges remain, the commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability continues to drive reforms, setting a positive trajectory for the assembly’s procurement activities.