Redefining Corrupt Public Procurement Practices in Ghana Based on Stakeholders' Perception

Abstract

Government and public institutions procure diverse works, goods and services from different business organizations from time to time. These acquisitions are often perceived to be surrounded by corrupt practices and with this perception in mind, people have little or no trust in public institutions and public procurement processes. The paper seeks to identif y the different forms of corrupt procurement practices to assist in the redefinition of the term. The study was conducted in two regions, namely: the Greater Accra Region and the Central Region. A field survey conducted included 120 respondents made up of contractors, opinion leaders, press men, industry professionals from public institutions and donor agencies. The study concludes by redefining corrupt procurement practice as: "the direct or indirect offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of gifts or bribes, conspiracies among firms, or fraudulent practices that influence the procurement selection process or contract execution for personal gain.”