Ghost Workers Uncovered at Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
By VOS Writer
The Auditor-General of Sierra Leone has uncovered serious payroll irregularities at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, exposing what appears to be the presence of ghost workers on the Ministry’s payroll.
According to the Auditor-General’s Report, 21 individuals listed as staff members could neither be traced on the Ministry’s official staff list nor presented for physical verification during the audit exercise. Despite their absence, the individuals reportedly received a total net salary of NLe 341,934 during the 2024 Financial Year.
The report raises concern that salaries may have been paid to individuals who were not legitimate employees of the Ministry.
As a corrective measure, the Auditor-General recommended that the Assistant Director of Human Resources ensure the 21 individuals present themselves for physical verification. Failing that, their names should be removed from the payroll, and all salaries paid to them recovered and paid into the Consolidated Fund.
In its official response, the Ministry stated that two of the staff had been transferred, ten retired, two were deceased, six were not on the Ministry’s staff list, and one staff member was on official duty at the time of verification.
However, in a follow-up comment, the Auditor-General noted that no documentary evidence was provided to substantiate the Ministry’s claims regarding staff transfers, retirements, or deaths. Additionally, the 21 individuals remained unavailable for physical verification during the audit process.
Consequently, the Auditor-General concluded that the matter remains unresolved, underscoring the need for stronger payroll controls and accountability within the Ministry.
