COLLUSIVE TENDERING IN PUBLIC PROCUREMENT IN TAMALE METROPOLITAN ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The study investigates collusive tendering in public procurement in Ghana‟s local government system, using primary data from the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly in the Northern Region of Ghana. The study used a mixed method approach in gathering and analysing the data to help strengthened reliability and validity of the study findings. The study finds evidence of collusive tendering in Tamale Metropolitan Assembly. Also, most respondents lacked the needed knowledge to identify signs of collusive tendering. Further, majority of them agree there was greed or perceived value of possible benefits in most procurement contracts generation. The study found bribery and corruption to be high in the tendering process for most lucrative contracts in the Metropolis. This encourages collusive tendering behaviour in the assembly. These and many other factors result in major financial leakages in the procurement processes of the public sector of Ghana. The process therefore, leads to slow and poor development in the region. It is recommended that, the level of remuneration in public enterprises for public officials is improved; so that, the minimum grounds for corruption motives are reduced. Also, all public officials undergo training in the dimension of corruption and negative impact of systemic corruption on the well-being of the public. If officers are trained or equipped with knowledge on how corruption can be reduced, public enterprise performance and integrity can be improved.