PPCC New Boss talks Tough …vows to enforce Compliance

As he took the mantle of authority at the helm of the Public Procurement and Concession Commission(PPCC), the new Executive Director of the institution has spoken tough of the needful steps towards ensuring and enforcing compliance so as to further ensure value for public funds. 

Speaking at occasion marking his induction ceremony on Thursday, July 13, 2023,  Bodger Scott Johnson, vowed that his administration will enforce compliance monitoring, adequately and transparently reviewing procurement and concession documents, mitigating and preventing corruption in the procurement processes, providing training and workshops on procurement across the spectrum of government.

“Under my leadership my able PPCC team and I intend to enforce Compliance monitoring, adequately and transparently reviewing procurement and concession documents, mitigating and preventing corruption in the procurement processes, providing training and workshops on procurement across the spectrum of government. We will certainly enforce the PPCC Act across national government and we are more than willing to work with every governmental institutions as it relates to their Procurement plan and implementation,” said the new PPCC boss.

“Three key components work together to make the procurement process happen: i.e. People, Process and Paperwork. People need training, the procurement process is long because of the lack of more compliance staff, and the paperwork is cumbersome, from procuring entities and at PPCC.. My goal is to improve the procurement process. And I certainly welcome the transition to E-Procurement. How can we fast tract the turnaround time for procuring entity to get their goods or services this will be paramount concern,” he furthered. 

Mr. Johnson indicated that his leadership intends to strengthen the PPCC's working relationship with national institutions, and coordinate actions with all other relevant entities. I will devote special attention to the development partners and engagement with civil society.

“This Administration under the leadership of Dr. George Manneh Weah is transitioning to E- Procurement with support from the World Bank. President
Weah firmly support transparency, accountability, respect the rule of law. He has given his full support for the implementation of the E- Government Procurement.
To our development partners we say a big thanks, for all the continue support over the years. This Commission looks forward to new re-defined partnership for national development with all our partners. We want a partnership that will work this commission and hold the Commission accountable,” Mr. Johnson asserted. 

UNDP Liberia Resident Representative, Louis Kuukpen, at the induction ceremony, renewed UNDP’s commitment and assurance of continuing support to the PPCC. 

He said UNDP will continue to provide the necessary technical support in strengthening the capacity of the PPCC and other integrity institutions.

“I will conclude by recommending and encouraging that you establish strong partnerships with other integrity institutions and most importantly, Civil Society Organizations as you cannot execute a proper procurement regime in the absence of these collaborations. With public money being spent on such projects, it is vital that the right procedures and policies are in place to ensure that the procurement processes are competitive, clear, transparent, compliant and demonstrates value for money,” Mr. Kuukpen stated.