Title: Public procurement in teaching hospitals in Ghana

Authors: Kofi Mintah Oware; Solomon Samanhyia; George Oppong Appiagyei Ampong

Addresses: Department of Accountancy and Accounting and Information Systems, Kumasi Polytechnic, P.O. Box 854, Kumasi, Ghana ' Ghana Technology University College, P.O. Box KS 1931, Kumasi, Ghana ' Ghana Technology University College, PMB 100, Accra, Ghana

Abstract: This study assessed management-supplier relationship practices, benefits and challenges in public procurement of the teaching hospitals in Ghana. Using a purposive non-probability sampling approach, Komfo Anokye teaching hospital was chosen. A survey questionnaire was the main data collection technique and sample size of 55 respondents from both management of the hospital and suppliers to the hospital were chosen. Relative importance index was used to analyse data converted into a Likert scale format and the study showed that suppliers are not involved early in their procurement process, suppliers put less value on the Procurement Act that regulates procurement in Ghana and meeting product specification was also identified as a challenge. Recommendations include involvement of potential suppliers in the early stage of the procurement processes and also develop long term relationship with them. Suppliers should be seen partners in its quest to achieve efficacy in supplier relationship management.

Keywords: supplier relationship management; SRM; supply chain management; SCM; key suppliers; cost reduction; profitability; Ghana; public procurement; teaching hospitals; healthcare supply chains.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSCOR.2016.082016

International Journal of Supply Chain and Operations Resilience, 2016 Vol.2 No.3, pp.181 - 192

Received: 13 Oct 2015
Accepted: 07 May 2016
Published online: 01 Feb 2017 *

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