Public Procurement Reform and Financial Management in Ghana’s Education Sector: Evidence from Selected Secondary Schools in Kumasi

Abstract

Aim: This study examines the effectiveness of public procurement reform in managing financial resources in the education sector of Ghana.
Study Design: Descriptive–explanatory survey research design.
Place and Duration of Study: Ten selected secondary schools in Kumasi, Ghana with collection of primary data in 2025. Interpretation and discussion are aligned with contemporary public procurement and public financial management frameworks.
Methodology: Structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data from 85 purposively selected respondents, which included Procurement officers, Accountants, Administrators, suppliers and contractors, with 70 completing and returning. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) supported by tables and figures. Interviews were also conducted to obtain further explanation from some selected respondents.
Results: The findings reveal improved procedural compliance and expenditure control following procurement reform; however, transparency practices remain inconsistent, single sourcing is widely used, supplier payments are significantly delayed, and value for money and cost savings are not fully achieved.
Conclusion: Public procurement reform in the educational sector of Ghana has strengthened control and accountability mechanisms but has not translated into optimal efficiency and economic outcomes. Targeted institutional and managerial reforms are required to enhance transparency, competition, payment discipline, and value-for-money outcomes in the educational institutions.