Guinea Launches Biometric System to Eliminate Ghost Workers

Guinea has officially implemented a biometric verification system designed to eliminate the issue of ‘ghost’ workers in its public service sector. The initiative, known as the Unique Administrative and Payroll Management Platform (FUGAS), was inaugurated during a recent ceremony attended by Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah and officials from the Ministry of Labour. This system is a response to widespread concerns about payroll fraud, which has affected many African nations.

The Guinean government first piloted FUGAS last year, claiming it saved approximately $26.9 million by identifying and eliminating payments to individuals who were not genuinely part of the workforce. According to the Ecofin Agency, out of around 270,000 registered civil servants, fewer than 150,000 were confirmed to have an actual presence at their workplaces. This discrepancy highlights the significant financial burden posed by ghost workers on the country’s economy.

During the launch, Prime Minister Bah emphasized the system’s importance as a crucial step in modernizing Guinea’s civil service. He remarked that FUGAS plays a vital role in the government’s anti-corruption efforts, stating that it is more than just an innovation; it is a necessary tool to prevent wasteful expenditure on public servants who do not fulfill their duties.

Labour and Public Service Minister Faya François Bourouno also spoke at the event, marking the launch as a significant milestone in Guinea’s public service digitization efforts, which began in 2021. He stressed that FUGAS will enhance transparency, traceability, and overall performance of the public service payroll system. These improvements are expected to lead to better administrative management and a more transparent recruitment process.

The introduction of FUGAS aligns with the country’s broader development strategy, known as the Simandou 2040 strategy, which aims to guide Guinea’s multisectoral development and economic growth from now until 2040. This strategy will be further discussed during the upcoming 2025 Transform Africa Summit, where various initiatives aimed at boosting economic resilience and public sector efficiency will be highlighted.

The persistent issue of ghost workers has led to significant financial losses across many African nations. With the implementation of FUGAS, Guinea aims to address this challenge effectively, ensuring that public funds are allocated to individuals who genuinely contribute to the nation’s development.