Architecting Prosperity: Public Procurement as the Foundational Blueprint for Ghana’s Digital, Green, and Self-Sufficient Economic Future
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Ghana's annual public procurement expenditure of $3.5 billion, accounting for 11% of GDP, serves as a significant but underleveraged framework for addressing the country's interconnected issues of digital exclusion, climate vulnerability, and import dependency. This research goes beyond traditional administrative perspectives, introducing a transformative "Procurement 4.0" framework aimed at strategically harnessing fiscal power. The framework integrates artificial intelligence, blockchain, and multi-stakeholder governance to align procurement with three key imperatives: facilitating digital leapfrogging through AI-driven tender platforms that enhance SME access, catalyzing green industrialization with mandatory sustainability criteria and life-cycle assessments, and promoting SME-driven self-sufficiency via enforceable participation quotas and capability development. The study utilizes policy archaeology (2010-2024), multi-criteria scenario modeling, and stakeholder gap analysis to illustrate that recalibrating strategic procurement can enhance SME contributions to GDP from 17% to 25%, attain 40% green procurement compliance by 2035, and achieve notable AI-driven efficiency savings. The findings provide a clear and practical framework for Ghana and comparable Global South economies aiming to transform public spending into drivers of technological sovereignty, climate resilience, and inclusive structural change, fundamentally reshaping the role of procurement in fostering prosperity.
Downloads
References
Adepoju, O. O., Adeyeye, T. C., & Ogunnaike, O. O. (2023). Digital procurement transformation and public accountability in emerging economies: Evidence from Nigeria. Public Administration and Development, 43(2), 98–112. https://doi.org/10.1002/pad.2015
Agyeman, K., & Osei-Kojo, A. (2021). E-procurement adoption barriers in Ghana: An institutional and technological perspective. Journal of African Business, 22(3), 345–362. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228916.2021.1870198
Amoako, K. (2023). Local content loopholes and the SME exclusion dilemma in Ghanaian public procurement. African Journal of Public Administration, 15(2), 102–121. https://doi.org/10.1080/afjpa.2023.01502
Ashtankar, V. (2022). Supplier development programs and SME integration in India: Strategic interventions in public procurement. International Journal of Supply Chain Management, 11(4), 112–130. https://doi.org/10.32890/ijscm.2022.11.4.5
Auditor-General’s Report. (2024). Financial irregularities in public sector finances in Ghana. Office of the Auditor-General, Ghana.
Balagadde, R. (2024). Adaptive governance in the Global South: Policy innovation under resource constraints. World Development Perspectives, 27(1), 101–115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wdp.2024.101115
Chen, Y., Zhang, L., & Wang, R. (2022). Data-driven urban governance: Procurement insights from East Asian smart cities. Cities, 131, 103998. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cities.2022.103998
Dzreke, S. S. (2025a). Adapt or perish: How dynamic capabilities fuel digital transformation in traditional industries. Advanced Research Journal, 9(1), 67–90. https://doi.org/10.71350/3062192584
Dzreke, S. S. (2025b). Sovereignty arbitrage 5.3x ROI: Apple's $900M strategic pivot and the geopolitical resilience matrix (GRM). Engineering Science & Technology Journal, 6(8), 450–467. https://doi.org/10.51594/estj.v6i8.2036
Dzreke, S. S. (2025c). The competitive advantage of AI in business: A strategic imperative. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 7(4). https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i04.50400
Dzreke, S. S., & Dzreke, S. E. (2025d). The symbiotic interplay between big data analytics (BDA) and artificial intelligence (AI) in the formulation and execution of sustainable competitive advantage: A multi-level analysis. Frontiers in Research, 4(1), 35–56. https://doi.org/10.71350/30624533119
Dzreke, S. S., & Dzreke, S. E. (2025e). Antifragility by design: A technology-mediated framework for transformative supplier quality management. Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, 12(5), 820–834. https://doi.org/10.56975/jetir.v12i5.563174
Dzreke, S. S., & Dzreke, S. E. (2025f). Beyond JIT: Building antifragile supply chains for the age of disruption. Frontiers in Research, 2(1), 67–89. https://doi.org/10.71350/30624533109
Dzreke, S. S., & Dzreke, S. E. (2025g). Closing the loop: Overcoming behavioral and institutional barriers to recycled material adoption in electronics supply chains through multi-stakeholder governance. Engineering Science & Technology Journal, 6(8), 402–427. https://doi.org/10.51594/estj.v6i8.2015
Dzreke, S. S., & Dzreke, S. E. (2025h). Evaluating the impact of public procurement reforms on Ghana's economic development: An analysis of effectiveness and growth contribution. World Journal of Advanced Engineering Technology and Sciences, 16(2), 181–201. https://doi.org/10.30574/wjaets.2025.16.2.1282
Dzreke, S., & Dzreke, S. E. (2025i). Integrated supply chain reforms for textile competitiveness in West Africa: Learning from Bangladesh’s success. Advanced Research Journal, 12(1), 50–65. https://doi.org/10.71350/3062192598
Dzreke, S. S., & Dzreke, S. E. (2025j). Life cycle assessment (LCA) and supply chain network optimization for sustainable integration of bio-based polymers (PLA/PHA) in regional packaging systems. Engineering Science & Technology Journal, 6(7), 355–374. https://doi.org/10.51594/estj.v6i7.1998
Dzreke, S. S., & Dzreke, S. E. (2025k). Navigating the black swan: Stress-testing marketing strategies for geopolitical shock preparedness. Advanced Research Journal, 10(1), 22–38. https://doi.org/10.71350/3062192588
Dzreke, S. S., & Dzreke, S. E. (2025l). Political patronage networks as institutional architects of procurement asymmetry: Weaponizing rules to exclude SMEs before corruption. Frontiers in Research, 5(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.71350/30624533121
Dzreke, S., & Dzreke, S. E. (2025m). Rethinking industrial modernity: Institutional heterogeneity and the limits of technological convergence. Advanced Research Journal, 7(1), 35–61. https://doi.org/10.71350/3062192566
Dzreke, S. S., & Dzreke, S. E. (2025n). The 22% patriotism premium: How U.S. brands navigate nationalist expectations while protecting global supply chains. Frontiers in Research, 3(1), 78–95. https://doi.org/10.71350/30624533115
Dzreke, S. S., & Dzreke, S. E. (2025o). The causal mechanisms linking Big Data Analytics Capability (BDAC) to AI-Driven dynamic capabilities: A mixed-methods investigation. Computer Science & IT Research Journal, 6(9), 616–631. https://doi.org/10.51594/csitrj.v6i9.2062
Dzreke, S. S., & Dzreke, S. E. (2025p). The fragility of efficiency: How lean inventory strategies amplify supply chain crisis losses – a $2.3 trillion analysis of geopolitical shocks across 1,864 manufacturing firms. Frontiers in Research, 2(1), 45–66. https://doi.org/10.71350/30624533107
Dzreke, S. S., & Dzreke, S. E. (2025q). The ‘just-in-case’ inventory rebound: Post-pandemic trade-offs between resilience and working capital. Frontiers in Research, 4(1), 20–39. https://doi.org/10.71350/30624533117
Dzreke, S. S., & Dzreke, S. E. (2025r). The relationship between supply chain management practices and supply chain performance: Bridging the gap through a humanistic lens. Frontiers in Research, 1(1), 36–52. https://doi.org/10.71350/30624533102
Dzreke, S., & Dzreke, S. E. (2025s). The renewable energy dilemma: Who benefits from Africa’s green transition? Advanced Research Journal, 12(1), 32–49. https://doi.org/10.71350/3062192599
Dzreke, S. S., & Dzreke, S. E. (2025t). The strategist’s sixth sense: A study of ‘market feel’ as an intangible, non-imitable capability in the architecture of competitive advantage. Contemporary Perspectives, 1(1), 1–30. https://doi.org/10.71350/cp4
Dzreke, S. S., & Dzreke, S. E. (2025u). Verifiable ethics: Integrating blockchain traceability with environmental and social life-cycle assessment for conflict-free mineral supply chains. Engineering Science & Technology Journal, 6(8), 387–403. https://doi.org/10.51594/estj.v6i8.2014
Dzreke, S. S., Dzreke, S. E., Dzreke, E., Dzreke, C., & Dzreke, F. M. (2025v). Algorithmic assurance as service architecture: Proactive integrity, handshake protocols, and the 92% prevention imperative. Global Journal of Engineering and Technology Advances, 24(3), 209–222. https://doi.org/10.30574/gjeta.2025.24.3.0273
Ghana Investment in Digital Economy Project. (2024). National digital infrastructure development plan: Phase II implementation report (2024–2028). Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation
GIACC. (2020). Ghana anti-corruption commission report: Public procurement leakages and recommendations. Accra, Ghana.
ITU. (2022). Measuring digital inclusion in Africa: ITU report 2022. Geneva: International Telecommunication Union.
Karombo, A. (2022). Blockchain-based tendering in Rwanda: Transparency and efficiency outcomes. African Journal of e-Government, 10(2), 55–72. https://doi.org/10.2139/ajeg.2022.102.55
Kalvet, T. (2019). AI-based contract monitoring in Estonia: Enhancing public procurement governance. Government Information Quarterly, 36(4), 101–114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2019.101429
Kaur, P., & Sharma, S. K. (2024). AI-enabled real-time monitoring in public procurement: A fraud mitigation framework. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 200, 123178.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2023.123178
Lee, J., Park, H., & Kim, S. (2021). Carbon-footprint tenders and green procurement policy in South Korea: Industrial policy implications. Journal of Cleaner Production, 310, 127–139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127139
Li, M., & Chen, J. (2023). Procurement ecosystems and economic resilience: A complex adaptive systems approach. Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management, 29(4), 100861.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pursup.2023.100861
Liu, X., Wang, Y., & Zhang, J. (2023). Artificial intelligence in public procurement: A systematic review and future agenda. Government Information Quarterly, 40(1), 101771.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.giq.2022.101771
Martinez, C. L., Pereira, C. A., & Teixeira, A. A. (2022). SME diversification through public procurement: Evidence from Brazilian manufacturing. Small Business Economics, 59(3), 1049–1072. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-021-00570-w
Mhlanga, D., & Chikozho, C. (2022). Trust-building mechanisms in digital procurement systems: Lessons from Southern Africa. Development Southern Africa, 39(5), 777–793.
https://doi.org/10.1080/0376835X.2021.2006641
MoFA. (2023). National food import dependency report. Accra: Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
OECD. (2025). Government at a glance 2025: Size of public procurement. Paris: OECD Publishing.
OECD. (2021). SMEs in public procurement: Practices and strategies for shared benefits. OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/1c0e0b5e-en
OECD. (2024). Blockchain for public integrity in Latin America: Case studies in procurement audit. OECD Public Governance Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1787/8aefb3a7-en
Ondiege, P. (2023). Solar procurement programs in Kenya: Catalyzing local manufacturing and energy access. Renewable Energy Policy Journal, 8(1), 44–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.repj.2023.08.004
Pereira, M. (2020). SME quota systems in Brazilian public procurement: Economic and industrial outcomes. Latin American Journal of Public Policy, 12(3), 201–220.
https://doi.org/10.1080/latpub.2020.12.3.201
PPA. (2022). Public procurement expenditure as a share of GDP, Ghana. Public Procurement Authority, Accra.
Raghavan, M., Barron, D. N., & Westphal, J. D. (2022). Information asymmetry reduction in digital procurement platforms. Organization Science, 33(4), 1471–1493.https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2021.1550
Rogers, H., Välikangas, L., & Lämmer-Gamp, T. (2023). Demand-side innovation policy: Green public procurement in the European Union. Research Policy, 52(1), 104661.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2022.104661
Singh, R. K., & Kumar, P. (2023). Strengthening industrial resilience through SME-centric procurement: Evidence from India. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 34(5), 789–808. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMTM-07-2022-0265
Transparency International Ghana. (2023). Ghana integrity assessment: Public procurement sector report. TIG. [Note: Replace with verified source if available]
UNCTAD. (2022). Digital economy report 2021: Cross-border data flows and development. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. https://unctad.org/publication/digital-economy-report-2021
UNDP. (2021). Climate vulnerability assessment: Ghana. United Nations Development Programme.
Wang, L., & Zhao, X. (2024). Green public procurement as industrial policy: Catalyzing innovation in sustainable supply chains. Journal of Industrial Ecology, 28(1), 198–213.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.13467
World Bank. (2023). Digital foundations for public sector transformation: A framework for implementation. World Bank Group. https://doi.org/10.1596/978-1-4648-1940-9
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
All articles published in our journal are licensed under CC-BY 4.0, which permits authors to retain copyright of their work. This license allows for unrestricted use, sharing, and reproduction of the articles, provided that proper credit is given to the original authors and the source.