Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has made a strong case for the passage of the Procurement Practicing Bill, which is currently before Cabinet, to entrench professionalism and ethical conduct in the practice of procurement in the country.

In a speech read on his behalf at the investiture and swearing-in of newly elected governing council members and executives of the Ghana Institute of Procurement and Supply (GIPS) in Accra, the minister said that the nation’s growth aspirations are directly tied to ethically sound and well-managed procurement, especially in public institutions.

“Procurement is no longer a routine and restrictive activity confined to the processing of purchasing orders and contract documentation; the national development agenda cannot be achieved without procurement that is responsive, resilient and aligned with global best practices,” he said.

According to the minister, procurement has evolved into a strategic function that influences fiscal discipline, service diversity, industrial growth and public confidence in government systems.

This, he said, could lead to improved quality of life for citizens and enhanced credibility in the eyes of investors and development partners.

The minister further emphasised the critical role of sound and ethical procurement practice in spearheading the nation’s development agenda, making a strong case for the regulation of the practice.

He indicated that: “The modern procurement professional is no longer a passive anchor but a strategic advisor, a risk manager, a digital analyst, a sustainability champion and an innovation driver. This shift demands a new level of competence, ethical grounding and forward-looking leadership of professional leaders.”

President of GIPS, Dr Simon Annan, in his re-election speech, pledged that leadership will steer the institute into a new era of excellence, influence, and global competitiveness, adding that the next phase will be anchored on innovation, professionalism as well as intentional and strategic growth and impact.

A key priority is the passage of the procurement practicing bill—which he said requires close collaboration with Parliament, regulators, and other stakeholders; extending the institute’s foreign footprints through cross-border partnerships; and roll out of strategic training programmes.

“Our vision is very clear. We want to build a professional choice to propel GIPS to a new era of excellence, influence, and global competitiveness, anchored on professionalism, accountability, innovation, and measurable outcomes,” he said.

On her part, Governing Council Chair, Evelyn Sam, described the occasion not merely as a leadership transition, but as a moment of continuity and renewed commitment.

She reaffirmed the Institute’s long-standing vision of ensuring that procurement and supply chain professionals in Ghana uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, competence, and excellence.

She said: “As we look to the future, may we continue to mentor those who follow, embrace innovation and discernment, advocate with integrity, and uphold ethical procurement practices across every sector of our economy.”

The GIPS Council Chair further called for collective intelligence and coordinated actions between industry, academia and regulators to tackle emerging challenges facing supply chains and the procurement profession.

“The future of procurement will not be shaped by policy documents alone, but with deliberate actions that are taken today. Procurement professionals must be resolved to demand higher standards and serve as ambassadors of ethical and strategic procurement in their respective institutions,” she implored members of the institute.

Sam expressed gratitude to council members, partners, and stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout the tenure, while calling for sustained mentorship, innovation, and ethical advocacy.