By Dora Akyaa Asare
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has assured the general public that it would remain fully committed to the procurement regulations in force in the country.
This was said in a statement issued by the Director for Public Relations, Colonel M’bawine Atintande. He stated that “in line with the commitment in recent years, all procurements and contracts in the Ghana Armed Forces have followed due process.”
He added that this had become necessary as part of efforts by the Ministry of Defence and the Ghana Armed Forces to open up more to the civilian public, which he said would improve civil/military relations.
Colonel Atintande stressed that the mode of procurement in the Armed Forces was transparent and conducted in line with laid-down procedures.
He advised that no individual unit or sub-units of the Ghana Armed Forces should purchase their own uniforms, adding that uniforms and related kits are procured for all units, by their respective services and the Directorate of Ordinance Service.
“An initial issue is first made to troops, to be followed later with another set after recommendations by a duly-constituted Board of Survey.”
He noted that for recruits and cadets in training, they do not receive their supply of uniforms and kit direct from any suppliers.
He stressed that “to qualify as a contractor, a prospective supplier is expected to register with the appropriate department. The applicant is vetted and the necessary inspections are conducted to ensure that the applicant has the capacity to deliver before they are listed as certified contractors with the Ghana Armed Forces.
“Bids for supplies are followed by quotation analyses and approval by the Defence Tender Committee and of contract. Supplies must follow the accepted procedures to include recommendation by duly-constituted Acceptance Boards, before supplies are delivered. It is, therefore, not possible that a person not registered as a supplier with the Ghana Armed Forces will be given contract,” he noted
The Armed Forces assures the public it shall not shirk its responsibility, and will, at all times, operate within the confines of laid-down rules and regulations.
Meanwhile, as part of activities to mark Ghana’s 55th Independence Anniversary celebration, the Ghana Armed will hold an Open Day in all military garrisons throughout the country, and the Jungle Warfare School at Achiase on Wednesday 7 March, 2012.
