Chief Executive for Sierra Leone National Public Procurement Authority, Mr. Ibrahim Brima Swarray, was over the weekend recognized amongst several other Sierra Leoneans and institutions for his exceptional leadership at the NPPA.
The organizers of the event, Diaspora Focus, hailed the NPPA Chief Executive for his outstanding leadership and dedication in transforming the Procurement Landscape in Sierra Leone.
He was recognized for saving the government close to US$100 million on procurement related activities.
Ibrahim Brima Swarray took over the reins at the NPPA in June, 2018 after going through a rigorous parliamentary approval process.
Many who knew nothing about his very strong pedigree in producing the desired results, underrated his ability to bring about the much needed change especially so when the Public Procurement sector by then was tainted with corruption and lack of adherence to acceptable procedures and practices.
As part of the first crop of Practicing Procurement Professionals, even some of his colleagues were also doubtful that he will not succeed amidst the high profile nature of the job at hand.
The Chief Executive Officer upon taking over office was very much determined and knew where to start in his crusade to make the institution enviable again.
Fixing the NPPA infrastructurally, increasing the visibility and prominence of the NPPA in both the electronic and print media, was also enhanced by the new NPPA boss.
The new man at the helm also immediately ensured a back to basics approach in terms of ensuring that MDAs and other procuring entities undertake procurement for goods, works and services in tandem with the Public Procurement Act of 2016.
He launched the use of Price Norms to ensure that there is uniformity in the payment for goods and services; initiated end to end reviews and also worked closely with MDAs to develop Annual Procurement Plans and websites to enhance a planned and organized procurement process that has enough information for both the MDAs and business entities involved in the process.
The New Chief Executive’s successes at the Authority began to bear fruit when he saved Government over US$ 70 million in less than one year.
The World Bank and other international institutions immediately developed confidence in the sector and revamped their support and hence it was not a surprise that Ibrahim Brima Swarray continues to be recognized with various awards for his attention to detail and for also leading a new path to Sierra Leone’s reformed public procurement sector.
