Guinea Implements Biometric System to Eliminate ‘Ghost’ Workers

Guinea has launched a biometric verification system aimed at eradicating the issue of ‘ghost’ workers within its public service sector. The system, officially called the Unique Administrative and Payroll Management Platform (FUGAS), was introduced during a ceremony led by Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah and attended by officials from the Ministry of Labour.

The implementation of FUGAS follows a pilot program initiated last year, which reportedly resulted in savings of approximately $26.9 million due to the removal of undeserving public workers. According to data from the Ecofin Agency, out of 270,000 registered civil servants, fewer than 150,000 were confirmed to be actively present in their roles. This discrepancy highlights the extent of the issue that the Guinean government is now addressing.

At the launch, Prime Minister Bah emphasized the critical importance of the biometric system. He described it as a significant advancement in modernizing the civil service and addressing inefficiencies that lead to wasteful expenditures on public salaries. “FUGAS is not merely an innovation; it is an essential tool in our fight against corruption,” Bah stated.

The Minister of Labour and Public Service, Faya François Bourouno, also spoke at the event, marking the launch as a pivotal moment in the digitization of Guinea’s public service, which began in 2021. Bourouno explained that the new system will enhance transparency, traceability, and overall performance in managing public service payrolls. He underscored that FUGAS aims to improve administrative management and ensure transparent recruitment practices.

This initiative aligns with Guinea’s broader development strategy, known as the Simandou 2040 strategy, which outlines a comprehensive plan for multisectoral development and economic growth through 2040. The strategy is expected to be discussed further during the upcoming 2025 Transform Africa Summit.

The ‘ghost’ worker phenomenon has led to significant financial losses across various African nations. By implementing FUGAS, the Guinean government hopes to combat this issue effectively and ensure that public funds are utilized efficiently, benefiting the citizens of Guinea and strengthening public trust in government institutions.