Madam,

It is deeply troubling to learn that some schools across the country continue to have ‘ghost teachers’ – individuals who do not report for duty yet remain on government’s payroll. This is not merely an administrative oversight, but a national disgrace that drains public funds meant for improving education and supporting hardworking teachers who genuinely serve learners.

The education sector already faces many challenges, from a shortage of qualified teachers to poor infrastructure and limited teaching materials. It is, therefore, painful to imagine that scarce funds are being wasted on non-existent employees while real teachers work tirelessly with little recognition or reward. Every salary paid to a ghost teacher represents a lost opportunity to employ an additional teacher, repair a classroom or provide learning tools to rural schools.

This practice reflects serious weaknesses in the management and monitoring systems within the Ministry of Education. School heads and regional education officers should be held accountable for verifying staff attendance and reporting irregularities promptly. It is not acceptable for salaries to continue flowing to people who have long abandoned their duties, retired without proper clearance or in some cases, passed away. Such negligence not only promotes corruption, but also damages public trust in government institutions.

The Public Service and the Teaching Service Commission must urgently audit all school staff records and strengthen payroll verification systems. The introduction of biometric attendance or electronic tracking systems could go a long way in curbing this fraud. Regular inspections and unannounced school visits by auditors could further ensure that every salary paid corresponds to actual service delivered.

Equally, there should be strict penalties for those found complicit in maintaining ghost workers, whether through deliberate concealment or careless oversight. Teachers who are genuinely ill or on approved leave should have their cases properly documented to avoid confusion, but there should be no room for dishonesty.

Citizens also have a role to play by reporting suspicious cases where teachers are said to be working in name only. Public vigilance can complement government efforts in ensuring accountability.

It is time to clean up the system and restore integrity to the teaching profession. Paying ghost teachers is a betrayal of our learners and an insult to dedicated educators who show up daily despite difficult conditions. Every cent wasted on fraud is a cent stolen from a child’s future. As responsible citizens we pay tax. We work hard but others simply stay at home, knowing a salary is the way every month, regardless of whether or not they have showed up to work. It is truly unbelievable.