Malawi VP Ansah Faces Renewed Calls From Church Leaders to Explain UK Trip Costs

Malawi Vice President Jane Ansah is facing renewed calls from church leaders to provide clarity on the costs of her trip to the United Kingdom last December. The trip, which was reportedly for her husband’s 80th birthday, has been shrouded in controversy due to conflicting reports on its cost and the number of people who accompanied her.

Initially, leaked documents suggested that the trip would cost taxpayers K2.3 billion, with the Vice President traveling with a squad of more than 15 officers. However, her office later disputed this figure, and the government stated that the actual cost was K168 million, with only five people accompanying her. State House also announced that Ansah would foot the bill herself.

Despite these assurances, there has been no public clarification on whether public funds were used, whether they have been refunded, or whether Ansah’s personal resources were used to cover the costs. This lack of transparency has led to ongoing speculation and confusion among Malawians.

Rev Donnex Ngalande, a church leader, has called on the Vice President to provide clarity on the matter, citing the need for transparency and accountability. “Up to now, there has been no public clarity: whether any public funds were used, whether they have been refunded, if they were, or whether the assurance of using personal resources was fulfilled,” he said. Quoting scripture, Ngalande added, “Proverbs 11:1 reminds us that ‘a just weight is the delight of the Lord.’ We are therefore calling not for accusations but for clarity.”

The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) has also weighed in on the issue, with its boss Lewis Msiyadungu stating that the Vice President has no choice but to be transparent about the trip under the law. “The office of the VP should indeed come out and be transparent about the trip as is stipulated in the Public Finance and Management Act and the Constitution,” he said.

Msiyadungu emphasized the importance of accountability, noting that the Vice President holds power on trust on behalf of Malawians. “It is in that spirit that there should be accountability demonstrated from the VP office on the trip,” he said.

The controversy surrounding the trip has added to the pressure on Ansah, who has already been the subject of rumors about being frozen out by President Peter Mutharika’s government. The Vice President’s recent appearance at a public event wearing blue surgical gloves has also sparked speculation about her situation.

The church leaders’ calls for transparency and accountability are likely to increase the pressure on Ansah to provide a clear explanation of the trip’s costs and circumstances.

Article source: allafrica.com | Image credit: Nyasa Times