The Ghana Shippers’ Authority has rejected claims of irregularities in the procurement of ICT equipment, describing publications by some online portals as misleading and intended to misinform the public.
In a statement issued on Thursday, March 19, the Authority clarified that the acquisition followed a comprehensive needs assessment aimed at improving operational efficiency and enhancing service delivery.
Management explained that all items procured were essential to the day-to-day functioning of the institution, stressing that the process complied with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, as amended.
The Authority further indicated that the procurement was conducted through a restricted tendering process in line with established legal procedures, with approval secured from the Public Procurement Authority.
Although an initial ceiling of over GH¢2.3 million was approved, negotiations with the selected supplier reduced the contract sum to approximately GH¢1.44 million, resulting in savings for the state.
According to the statement, prior financial clearance was obtained from the Ministry of Finance Ghana, while the Central Tender Review Committee also reviewed and approved the transaction, reinforcing the transparency of the process.
“…Of five (5) firms that qualified to bid for the supply, Urban Tech Solutions Limited was selected based on their technical capacity, proven track record and competitive pricing. The entire procurement process, which was under the auspices of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), was transparent, and the outcome was duly published on the Ghana Electronic Procurement Platform (GHANEPS),” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to accountability, the Authority assured stakeholders that it remains focused on the prudent management of public resources and its mandate to facilitate trade while reducing the cost of doing business in Ghana.
The GSA further urged the public to disregard what it described as baseless allegations, insisting that its operations continue to align with national procurement laws and broader government objectives.