In recent days, the Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) has faced significant public criticism regarding its recent ICT purchases.
Key among the concerns is the claim that the Authority paid an excessive GH¢2 million for specific ICT equipment it has obtained.
These allegations, which have been widely reported by an online media source, have been labeled as incorrect and misleading by insiders at the Authority.
Here is what our investigation at the GSA has uncovered so far:
What was procured?
According to details available, the procurement involved over 100 pieces of ICT equipment to support the Authority’s operations.
These include laptops, tablets, HP LaserJet printers, access control systems, CCTV installations, uninterrupted power supply (UPS) units, and solar-powered inverter systems, among others.
The acquisition, the Authority explains, was not an ad-hoc decision but part of a broader plan dating back to 2024, with several of the needs inherited and already budgeted for.
Was there due process and competitive tendering?
To ensure transparency and value for money, the GSA was said to have shortlisted five experienced firms based on technical capacity, track record, and after-sales support.
These included Urban Tech Solutions Limited, Wumberic Group, Ruzyne Group Limited, Procure Charter Limited, and Venus Hills Company Limited.
The procurement process was not unilateral as the GSA received formal approval from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), after which a restricted tendering process was conducted through the Ghana Electronic Procurement Platform.
Subsequently, the Authority sought and obtained final approval from the Central Tender Review Committee of the Ministry of Finance before awarding the contract.
Cost savings and final contract value
While the initial estimated cost of the procurement stood at GH¢2 million, an amount approved by the relevant regulatory bodies, the contract was ultimately awarded at a significantly reduced figure.
Urban Tech Solutions Limited, the winning bidder, supplied the full range of equipment at a renegotiated cost of GH¢1.4 million, inclusive of taxes.
This represents a savings of approximately GH¢600,000 to the state.
Why restricted tendering?
The use of restricted tendering is fully compliant with Ghana’s Public Procurement laws.
The method allows institutions to invite selected qualified firms where specialized expertise and reliability are critical.
In this case, limiting the process to vetted firms was intended to ensure efficiency, maintain quality standards, and guarantee timely delivery.
Putting the matter in perspective
The above clarification suggests that rather than overspending, the procurement process may have achieved notable cost savings while adhering to established legal and administrative procedures.
As public scrutiny over government spending intensifies, the case highlights the importance of context, due process, and verified information in shaping public discourse.