By Stephen G. Fellajuah
The Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) has inducted into office Mr. Bodger Scott Johnson as the new Executive Director of the institution, replacing Madam Roseline Janga Kowo whose tenure expired in March this year. The impressive ceremony took place Thursday, July 13, 2023 at the head offices of the entity on the grounds of the Executive Mansion, Capitol Hill, Monrovia.
The program saw in attendance Mr. Roosevelt Woods, Chairman PPCC Board of Commissioners, Madia Jallah, Vice Chairperson PPCC Board of Commissioners, Mr. Charles Bright, Economic Advisor to the President of the Republic of Liberia, Mr. Stevenson S. Yond, outgoing Officer In Charge.
Also in attendance were representatives of UNDP, World Bank, USAID, LACC, MFDP, Legal Advisor to the President of Liberia among others.
Making a welcoming statement, Mr. Roosevelt Woods, Chairman PPCC Board of Commissioners said the occasion marked a very important day in the history of the PPCC as the entity inducts into office a new Executive Director. He noted that the event climaxed an intensive process that started in May of this year as part of the obligation of the Board of Commissioners.
Mr. Bodger Scott Johnson brings on board worthy experience in administration, networking, and understanding of public procurement processes and management. He was also privileged to play an oversight role at the institution, according to Mr. Woods.
In his acceptance remarks, Mr Bodger Scott Johnson said he was proud and humbled to serve as the Commission’s Executive Director for the next four years. He thanked the Board of Commissioners for the confidence in his ability and capacity to lead the commission.
“I feel truly privileged to have the opportunity to serve and work with all our partners for the next four years. I also want to use this opportunity to commend my predecessor, Madam Roseline Janga Kowo for her efforts and dedication.
“Exciting times lie ahead as my team and I define the next phase of our journey at the PPCC. My intention is to ensure that we all work together with a client – centric approach. This will involve assessing our current strategy and operation and implementing any improvements needed. A key priority identified is to roll out the e- procurement program”, he said.
According to him, the primary objective of the Commission is to ensure the economic and efficient use of public funds in public procurement and to ensure that the public procurement and concession processes are conducted in a fair, transparent and non- discriminatory manner. He explained that the Commission under his able leadership intends to uphold these primary objectives, by seeking close partnership and collaboration with government procuring entities and State owned Enterprises and our partners.
The PPCC boss furthered that he intended to strengthen the PPCC’s working relationship with institutions, and coordinate actions with all other relevant entities, devoting special attention to the development partners and engagement with civil society.
“Today marks the inception of a new leadership here at the Commission. 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 Art across the national government and we are more than willing to work with every governmental institution as it relates to their Procurement plan and implementation”, he emphasized.
Speaking further, he pointed out three key components that work together to make the procurement process happen: People, Process and Paperwork. People need training, the procurement process is long because of the lack of more compliance staff, and the Paperwork cumbersome, from procuring entities and at PPCC, he said and added that his goal is to improve the procurement process.
“And I certainly welcome the transition to E- Procurement. How can we fast track the turnaround time for procuring entities to get their goods or services? This will be of paramount concern”, he maintained.
Additionally, Executive Director Johnson, noted that this administration under the leadership of Dr. George Manneh Weah is transitioning to E- Procurement with support from the World Bank. The President firmly supports transparency, accountability, respect the rule of law, adding that the President has given his support for the implementation of E- Government Procurement.
“To our development partners we say big thanks for all the continued support over the years. This Commission looks forward to a new redefined partnership for national development with call our partners. We want a partnership that will work with this Commission and hold the Commission accountable”, he said.
Also making remarks, UNDP Liberia Resident Representative Mr. Louis Kuukpen said procurement administration is critical to the progress and development of Liberia as it is likely to contribute more than 70% of development programs, underscoring that It is also a critical aspect of good governance, consequently the basic principles of transparency, accountability, value for money, fair dealing, integrity, openness, and competitive process among other must always be upheld.
In separate remarks at the event, representatives of institutions including, UNDP, World Bank, USAID, LACC, MFDP as well as the Legal Advisor to the President of Liberia among others encouraged the PPCC boss to pour out his best performance in the interest of the public and Liberia, as they pledged support to the PPCC to provide solution to the Republic of Liberia.
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