Accra, Feb. 15, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor has reminded members of the Public Procurement Board to be in the vanguard of efforts to contain and eradicate corrupt practices and inefficiencies in the procurement system.

They should be fearless and speak out on procedures they did not understand, he said, when he swore-in the Chief Executive, Mr Adjenim Boateng Adjei and three other members of the Board at the Castle, Osu, on Wednesday to bring the membership to the full complement of nine. They are Mrs Augustina Akosua Akumanying, Mr David Larbi and Mr Kwame Antwi.

President Kufuor said fighting corruption had become topical and noted that most corrupt practices took place in procurement. It was for this reason that the role of the Board was central and crucial to the efficient management of the financial sector of the Government.

He said those invited to serve on it should, therefore, be guided by their individual conscience, resolve and determination to do what was right and to insist that the right thing was done at all times.

"I expect you to live up to expectation, acquaint yourselves well and not to give cause for the Government to feel betrayed by you", President Kufuor said.

Mr Adjei said over the last couple of years, various issues had been raised regarding the objective of Government towards ensuring transparency and accountability and that the subject of public procurement had always been discussed dispassionately at different forums including in the media.

"We, therefore, see this appointment as a very challenging one and pledge our full commitment to help achieve Government's aim of good governance and its attendant benefits through an effectively managed procurement system."

President Kufuor had earlier administered to them the Official Oath and the Oath of Secrecy.

The Board was officially inaugurated on August 4, 2004, with the swearing in of five of the members, Mr Kwesi Abbey Sam, the Chairman, Ms Katreen Quartey Ayensu, Mrs Ellen Odartey Laryea, Dr Osei Boeh Ocansey and Ms Helen Allotey.