Rabat Rocked by ”Ghost Worker” Scandal: A Tale of Missing Employees and Mismanaged Funds
A recent audit of Rabat’s local government has uncovered a shocking case of “ghost workers” – individuals receiving salaries despite not being actively employed. The report, issued by the Regional Accounting Council for the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, paints a picture of serious financial mismanagement and potential corruption.
The investigation revealed that six individuals continued to receive full salaries despite changes in their employment status. This included three deceased individuals, two retirees, and one person receiving partial retirement benefits. This type of fraud, where individuals exploit deceased or absent employees to collect their salaries, is a serious issue faced by governments worldwide.
Adding to the scandal, the report highlighted that during the tenure of former mayor Asmaa Aglalou, the city of Rabat paid salaries to 77 individuals not listed on the official payroll. This discrepancy, totaling 216 individuals when accounting for other inconsistencies, included 48 unaccounted for employees for whom the local government offered no explanation.
The implications of these findings are significant.
Firstly, the ”ghost worker” scheme represents a direct loss of public funds. While the exact amount embezzled is yet to be determined, it highlights a concerning lack of oversight and accountability within the local government.
Secondly, the report revealed that Rabat’s local government failed to consistently pay into employee pension funds. This negligence has severe consequences for retirees who now face reduced pensions and beneficiaries struggling to access survivor benefits.
This scandal has sparked outrage and calls for immediate reform. The lack of transparency and financial mismanagement revealed by the audit demands a thorough investigation and accountability from those responsible.
Moving forward, the people of Rabat deserve a local government committed to transparency, accountability, and the responsible stewardship of public funds. This incident underscores the importance of robust internal controls, regular audits, and a culture of ethical conduct within government institutions.
The case in Rabat serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and accountability in safeguarding public resources.
