Staff of Development Office in KNUST
Staff of the Office of the Director of Works and Physical Development of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology(KNUST) have attended a four-day training workshop on Procurement.
Opening the Workshop, a representative of the Registrar, Mr. Ben O. Andoh, Deputy Registrar, Human Resource Division (HRD), stated the workshop is very crucial as without procurement, the University cannot operate.
He said procurement is a strategic function and is founded in the structure of an organisation. With this Knowledge it is intended to support the operations and management of the institution to ensure the institution does not incur a lot of losses.
Mr. Andoh continued that procurement is at the heart of the nation and that explains the establishment of the Public Procurement Authority and the Public Procurement Act. He continued that for procurement to serve its role positively, it must serve as a repository of corporate knowledge on acquisition and services. Again, it should also be based on the principles of procurement.
In conclusion, Mr. Andoh advised participants to educate themselves on the Procurement Act and the Financial Management Act of the country to be able to discharge their duties efficiently within the parameters of the law.
Mr. David Nartey Korda, a Quantity Surveyor of the Development Office, said the event is mainly on the Procurement of Works’ as procurement activities comprises of goods, services and works. He noted that the Development Office has been mandated by the institution to undertake procurement of works and therefore there was the need for training staff of the Office to bridge the gap in the knowledge area of staff in procurement risks and processes.
According to Mr. Nartey, the training which is part of continuous professional development, is a step in the right direction as it would build the capacity of staff. He said it is anticipated that at the end of the training it will help improve efficient delivery of activities in the section and help in decision making of staff. The University as a whole would also benefit in terms of value for money as procurement activities in terms of works take about 60% of the institution’s budget.
Mr. Abu Ahmed Fuseini, the Resource Person for the programme took participants through Risk Management and preparation of Procurement Risk Register, Contract Modification and Attendant Cost, Contract Administration Process, Monitoring and Evaluation of Contract Performance, Post Implementation Cost and Contract Records management.
What do you think about this piece? Share your comment in the comment thread and share the story using the social media buttons above. You may reach the editor on 0249579664. Thank you.