Gabon removes 1,473 ghost workers from payroll, saving 11 billion CFA francs a year

Gabon dismisses 1,473 ghost workers in payroll cleanup

The Gabonese government has taken decisive action against payroll fraud. More than 1,400 state employees have been formally dismissed for abandoning their posts, following a comprehensive accounting and biometric audit ordered by the transitional authorities to clean up public administration records.

Billions of CFA francs saved annually

For years, many individuals continued to collect their monthly salaries without ever showing up for work. Some were living abroad, others held simultaneous jobs in the private sector, and some had simply walked away from their offices.

By removing these 1,473 absent agents, the Gabonese state will save over 11 billion CFA francs (approximately 16.7 million euros) each year. According to the government, this money will fund projects that directly benefit the population, such as hospital renovations, school construction, and the recruitment of real teachers and healthcare workers.

Strict controls but verification still ongoing

While many citizens welcome the decision after years of frustration over wasted public funds, some unions are urging caution. They want assurances that no regular worker has been mistakenly dismissed due to a technical error in the database.

The ministry has stated that questionable cases will be reviewed individually. However, the state warns that anyone who received salaries without working could face legal action to repay the undue amounts.

A necessary reset for the future

This large-scale operation demonstrates the current authorities’ determination to restore order in the country’s management. But dismissing absentees alone is not enough: it will also be essential to ensure that these bad habits do not return and that every public franc is now used for Gabon’s development.

By Pierre Tchuente — Security and Policy Analyst