NPPA, BAN Sign MoU to Strengthen Procurement Transparency, Accountability
Sahid Bangura The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) and the Budget Advocacy Network (BAN) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen transparency, accountability and citizen participation in Sierra Leone’s public procurement system.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, at the NPPA Secretariat by NPPA Chief Executive Officer, Chief Fodie J. Konneh, and BAN National Coordinator, Mr Abu Bakarr Kamara, in the presence of representatives and stakeholders from both institutions.
The partnership establishes a framework for the two institutions to collaborate on public education and awareness, civil society participation, capacity building, research and evidence-based engagement on procurement-related issues.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chief Konneh stressed the need to build on procurement reforms undertaken over the years while ensuring that the system continues to respond to emerging challenges across the procurement cycle.
He placed particular emphasis on contract management and implementation, noting that the procurement process does not end with the award of a contract. Effective monitoring, he said, is necessary to ensure that goods, works and services are delivered according to agreed specifications, quality standards, timelines and contractual obligations.
The engagement also highlighted developments in Sierra Leone’s procurement framework, including the adoption of the Most Advantageous Bid approach. The approach seeks to promote value for money by taking into account factors such as quality, technical requirements and other relevant criteria, rather than relying solely on the lowest price.
Mr. Kamara said the partnership would provide an opportunity to deepen civil society participation in public financial management and procurement. He noted that BAN, as a network of civil society organisations working in areas including budgeting, procurement, accounting and auditing, has an important role in promoting informed public participation and accountability.
Under the MoU, NPPA and BAN will collaborate on sensitisation programmes, stakeholder dialogue, public education, research and capacity-building activities, while jointly identifying procurement challenges and areas requiring further reform.
The two institutions also emphasised the importance of improving public access to procurement information and strengthening the capacity of stakeholders, including through the effective use of digital systems to promote greater transparency and efficiency.
The signing marks a formalised partnership between the procurement regulator and civil society aimed at supporting a more transparent, accountable and efficient public procurement system, with greater emphasis on value for money and improved service delivery.