The Public Service Pension Scheme has long been plagued by inefficiencies, including delayed disbursements, lack of transparency and cases of fraud.
Ghost pensioners are a major symptom of systemic failure. Unclaimed pensions, instead of being reinvested for better fund sustainability, often remain unaccounted for or misallocated.
At present, there is no robust real-time verification mechanism linking the pension payroll to vital statistics (for example, death records).
This allows ghost pensioners to remain undetected. A biometric authentication system integrated with national registration databases can ensure only legitimate pensioners receive benefits. Pension records are often fragmented, making tracking payments and beneficiaries difficult
A single, well-maintained digital pension registry linked to the e-Citizen platform can enhance accountability and accessibility. Some officials exploit delays in processing claims, demanding bribes to fast-track payments.
Automating pension processing and introducing a real-time tracking system for retirees can eliminate unnecessary human intervention.
Some pension funds remain unclaimed due to unawareness, missing documents, or inefficient communication. Often, these funds are misused.
The government should set up an online public database where unclaimed pensions are listed, allowing rightful beneficiaries to claim them.
If unclaimed beyond a set period, the funds should be reinvested for the scheme’s sustainability rather than being absorbed into general government accounts.
Pensioners should have access to real-time updates on their funds via mobile apps or USSD codes, reducing reliance on physical visits to offices.
The writer is an independent HR development consultant