The Strategic Supplier Relationships Towards Effective Policy Implementation in the Ghana Armed Forces

Effective procurement policy implementation is critical to the operational readiness
and strategic objectives of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). This study explores the
influence of Strategic Supplier Relationships (SSR) on procurement performance in
the GAF, identifying both barriers and enablers within the procurement ecosystem.
Grounded in the Resource-Based View (RBV), Strategic Sourcing Theory, Trust
Theory, and the E-Procurement Systems Framework, the study employed a
descriptive quantitative design involving 156 respondents across various
procurement and logistics departments of the GAF. Stratified random sampling was
used to ensure proportional representation. Data were analyzed using descriptive
statistics, one-sample t-tests, and structural equation modeling (SEM) to validate the
proposed conceptual framework. Findings revealed that over-reliance on central
government funding, technological obsolescence, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and
political interference are statistically significant challenges hindering effective
supplier engagement. Conversely, strategic alliances, transparency and
accountability, long-term planning, and local sourcing emerged as the most relevant
opportunities for enhancing SSR. Key components of supplier relationship
management—communication, mutual trust, and supplier performance—were
found to significantly contribute to procurement policy effectiveness. Moreover, the
study established that the Public Procurement Law (Act 663, as amended by Act
914) and GAF procurement procedures significantly moderate the influence of these
variables on policy implementation. The study contributes a refined theoretical
framework tailored to the defense sector in Ghana, offering practical implications
for military procurement managers, policymakers, and suppliers. It recommends the
institutionalization of strategic alliances, investment in technology, and streamlining
of bureaucratic processes to foster responsive, ethical, and resilient procurement
systems. These findings are essential for ensuring sustainable procurement practices
that align with national security goals.