By Vaye Abel Lepolu
Monrovia, Liberia – The Public Procurement and Concessions Commission (PPCC) has marked its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of reforms that have shaped transparency, accountability, and good governance in Liberia’s public sector.
Established in 2005 following the country’s post-war reconstruction, PPCC was created to regulate and monitor procurement and concession processes, ensuring that public resources are managed with fairness, competitiveness, and value for money.
At a colorful ceremony held in Monrovia, government officials, lawmakers, development partners, civil society leaders, and private sector representatives joined PPCC staff in reflecting on past achievements while setting new goals for the future.
PPCC’s Chief Executive Director, Bonger Scott Johnson, described the anniversary as not just a celebration but a recommitment to service. He recounted the Commission’s journey from manual procurement systems to the adoption of modern digital platforms.
He highlighted the introduction of the e-Government Procurement (e-GP) System, which has processed more than US$12 million worth of contracts involving six key government institutions. According to Johnson, the system has promoted competition, accountability, and greater participation of Liberian-owned businesses.
“We now have over 537 businesses on the platform, and our reforms are opening doors for citizens and private enterprises to benefit from public procurement,” Johnson said.
Meanwhile, In delivering a special message on behalf of President Joseph Boakai, Acting Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Samuel Stevquoah, stressed that procurement remains the backbone of nation-building.
“The PPCC is not just another government agency it is a vital partner in implementing the ARREST Agenda,” Stevquoah noted, adding that transparency is key to restoring public confidence and attracting investment.
House Speaker Richard Koon pledged the Legislature’s support to strengthen the Commission’s work, while Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh emphasized the importance of credible procurement processes in safeguarding public trust.
In addition, International partners including the United States Embassy, the World Bank, UNDP, Sweden Embassy and the African Development Bank lauded Liberia’s progress in reforming procurement systems.
U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires Joseph Zadrony commended the Commission’s digitalization efforts, noting that Liberia was recently recognized in the U.S. State Department’s Fiscal Transparency Report for improvements in procurement and budget processes.
“Strong institutions require constant investment in people, in systems, in infrastructure, and in public trust,” Zadrony remarked.
However,all speakers collectively called for stronger digital outreach, broader capacity building for procurement officers, and greater enforcement of laws to ensure every dollar spent delivers value to the Liberian people.
Closing the program, PPCC reaffirmed its commitment to remain a “guardian of integrity” in managing public resources.
“Twenty years is a proud achievement,” the statement noted, “but the true measure of our success will be a Liberia where accountability is not just an aspiration, but a reality.”
