Asare, S O; Fobiri, G and Bondinuba, F K (2025) Enhancing fairness, transparency and accountability during tendering under Ghana's procurement system: A systematic review. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 15(1), pp. 33-50. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose: Ghana's legal framework for procurement has undergone substantial reform to increase its efficacy. However, disregard for legal obligations set forth has resulted in issues of fraud, corruption and poor oversight. This study seeks to synthesize literature on the recognition of legal obligations arising from tendering procedures and measures to promote fairness, transparency and accountability under Ghana's procurement framework. Design/methodology/approach: Legal frameworks and publications from diverse countries have been synthesized using a systematic literature review across three databases (Scopus, JSTOR and HeinOnline) to illuminate key concepts, issues and best practices relevant to the study. Data obtained from included publications was synthesized using Sandelowski and Barroso's two-step approach by using a qualitative meta-summary and thematic synthesis. Findings: The study reveals that issues of conflict of interest, corruption, lack of capacity, inadequate oversight and insufficient legal follow-through hinder the effectiveness of procurement regulations. The findings highlight the need for targeted improvements in resource allocation for consistent application of transparency measures, regular publication of notices and robust enforcement of accountability mechanisms. The report proposes the creation of a common data environment for networking and information dissemination, implementing feedback systems and trust rating schemes. Practical implications: The study contributes to the body of knowledge on procurement regulation by providing a thorough analysis of Ghana's procurement framework. The findings will help policymakers close the observed implementation gaps by guiding the revision of current legislation and the introduction of new regulations. Research findings can be used to guide the creation of focused training courses. Originality/value: This study, one of the first of its kind in Ghana, examines the current procurement framework, including legal obligations and implementation challenges. It contributes to the body of knowledge on the subject by providing a current and fact-based analysis as well as relevant recommendations for strengthening the framework.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | fairness; legal framework; legal obligations tendering processes; procurement |
| Index terms: | enforcement, transparency, effectiveness, publication, best practice, regulation, legislation, strengthening, systematic literature review, networking, Ghana, resource allocation, corruption, fairness, procurement system, accountability, database, fraud, common data environment, methodology, tendering process, information dissemination, implementation, notices, body of knowledge |
| Subjects: | knowledge management, Geography, contractual arrangements, structural engineering, liability law, professional ethics, leadership, research methods, business, political science, professional development, tendering, legal systems, research evaluation and metrics, performance management, research dissemination and communication, resource management, computing systems, health safety and environment, contractual role, data management, communication |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Geographical Context, Procurement, Engineering Principles, Health and Safety, Legal Issues, Research Practice, Organizational Design, Information Management, Governance, Contract Administration, Site Management, Digital Applications, Quality Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here