ACC Probes Councilor Kapu’s Ghost Salary

By: Munya Bawoh

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Sierra Leone is actively investigating Councilor Jusu Michael Kapu of Kenema City over allegations that he has been receiving a monthly government salary as a teacher since 2018 despite reportedly abandoning his official duties. The investigation, which has drawn the attention of both local residents and national watchdogs, centers on claims of payroll fraud and breach of public service ethics.

Councilor Kapu, who currently serves in the Kenema City Council, was sent as a teacher under the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE) before his election to public office. However, evidence from his colleague teachers, school officials, and education records more especially the time book indicate that he has not reported to any teaching post for the past six years yet continues to draw a salary from government coffers.

Sources within the education sector claim Kapu’s name remains on the payroll list, raising serious concerns about loopholes in the system that allow absentee personnel to go undetected for years. Several teachers in the same district have voiced frustration, citing poor salaries and resource shortages while others abuse the system.

In response to growing public outcry, the ACC launched an investigation to ascertain whether the claims against Councilor Kapu hold merit and to determine how he has evaded detection for so long. A senior ACC official in Kenema stated:

“The issue of ghost workers is a major concern to the Commission. If a public servant is drawing salaries without performing any duties, it’s a clear case of corruption and abuse of public trust.”

The investigation reportedly includes interviews with local school authorities, payroll audits, and a request for Kapu’s employment records from the Ministry of Education. Preliminary reports suggest that he has not been reassigned, suspended, or officially retired from the teaching service a critical detail that keeps him on the government payroll.

Stakeholders across the education and governance sectors are calling for strong disciplinary measures if the allegations are proven true. A local civil society group, the Kenema Education Watch (KEW), has urged both the Ministry and the ACC to “move beyond press statements and take corrective action that deters future abuse.”

The matter has sparked broader debate over how many other individuals across Sierra Leone might be benefiting from similar ghost salary schemes. Citizens are now demanding a nationwide audit of government payrolls, particularly in the education, health, and local government sectors.

Meanwhile, Councilor Jusu Michael Kapu has yet to publicly respond to the allegations, and efforts by journalists to contact him have proven futile. Community members remain divided, with some defending him based on his service as a councilor, while others insist no one is above the law.

The ACC has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability and has encouraged whistleblowers and concerned citizens to continue providing credible information. The Commission maintains that those found guilty will face the full weight of the law including repayment of misappropriated funds and possible criminal charges.

This ongoing investigation underscores the critical need for improved payroll systems, stricter oversight of public servants, and a renewed national commitment to ending corruption at all levels.