Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Personnel Management Office (PMO) of The Gambia recently concluded a comprehensive audit of the government payroll, uncovering significant issues with “ghost workers” across three major ministries.

The audit, targeting absentee workers who continue to receive salaries despite no longer actively working, led to the suspension of 3,024 civil servants’ salaries for September. As of October 9, only 882 of these workers have provided evidence of active employment, leaving over 2,100 unverified.

This audit covered the Ministries of Basic and Secondary Education, Health, and Agriculture, reaching schools, health facilities, and agricultural offices nationwide. Following physical verification efforts, each ministry received a list of unaccounted-for employees to review. Staff unable to confirm their presence risked having their salaries withheld unless proof of attendance, maternity or sick leave, or other authorized absences was provided.

The issue of “ghost workers” has long challenged The Gambia’s public sector, often arising when employees exit their positions without officially resigning. In some cases, public servants pursue traditional medical treatments or further education without observing proper leave protocols, contributing to payroll inefficiencies.

As part of ongoing reforms, the Ministry of Public Service is implementing digitization strategies, including biometric time attendance systems. This system, once fully integrated, will automatically halt salary payments for employees who fail to clock in for over a month, unless valid explanations are documented. This modernization initiative aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the civil service payroll.

The PMO has indicated plans to expand this audit to encompass the entire Civil Service, including Security Forces and pensioners, to further address payroll integrity issues across the board.