(lavoixdesentreprises.info) – The fight against corrupt officials in Gabon is gaining momentum, with bold measures that could yield significant savings for the state. In light of an increase in public sector personnel, an audit will reveal anomalies that will help restore public finances.
Gabon, facing budgetary challenges, is launching a large-scale operation aimed at identifying and eliminating ghost employees from its ranks. As the country experiences a 5% increase in the number of public agents since September 2023, the government, through the Minister of Budget and Public Accounts, Charles M’Ba, has initiated a thorough audit to rectify this situation. Preliminary results from this investigation suggest substantial savings, estimated at around 8 billion FCFA, which could be in addition to other potential savings.
At a government seminar held in Libreville, discussions focused on several essential aspects of the Gabonese public service. While topics such as administrative quality, career management, and the regularization of administrative situations were addressed, it was the issue of ghost employees that captured the most attention. The minister emphasized the crucial importance of rigorous personnel management to curb unnecessary expenses that burden state finances.
Recent checks have revealed that many agents receive salaries without performing real functions. Some of them may even be absent from the national territory, while others may simply not exist. This situation, which has persisted for years, requires swift and effective intervention. To address this, the minister proposes to suspend salary payments for unidentified agents, a measure that could affect between 12,000 and 13,000 officials. This not only represents an opportunity to streamline personnel but also to restore Gabon’s public finances.
The implementation of this reform is of paramount importance, as it comes at a time when the country must face major economic challenges. By reducing the payroll, the government hopes to achieve immediate savings while also instilling a culture of accountability and transparency within the public service.
The fight against corrupt officials is also a governance issue. By ensuring that public resources are allocated efficiently and that each agent has a defined role, the government can restore citizens’ trust in the administration. The success of this initiative could also serve as a model for other countries in the region facing similar issues of poor human resource management.
Ultimately, this reform is not just about financial savings. It represents a step toward a healthier and more efficient administration, capable of meeting the needs of Gabonese citizens. The path to a revitalized public service is fraught with challenges, but with strong political will and a clear strategy, Gabon can hope to turn the page on an era of waste and embrace a promising future. This is a pivotal moment that could redefine how the country manages its human and financial resources.
S.N.
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