By Vincent Gunde
The Concerned Citizens of Malawi (People Power Movement) says they are deeply touched by the revelations surrounding numerous failed projects mentioned in the recent SONA, the projects which were supposed to improve the lives of Malawians.
The CCM-PPM says one of the key figures of the centre of these financial irregularities is Dr. Mafuta Mwale, the current Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM), he was serving as Secretary to the Treasury, a position that made him directly responsible for overseeing the disbursement of funds.
They have demanded Parliament or an independent public inquiry to review his past actions before he is allowed to continue in his role at RBM and if found guilty of mismanaging public funds, he must step down immediately arguing that his appointment as RBM Governor has raised serious concerns about financial accountability and economic stability in Malawi,
Writing in a statement dated 16th February, 2025 signed by Comrades Edwards Kambanje and Oliver Nakoma, the Concerned Citizens says to verify the claims made in SONA, the organization will conduct a nationwide inspection of the listed projects travelling district by district to verify whether those projects exist or if Malawians have been deceived.
The CCM-PPM says their team will collect evidence in the in the form of photos, testimonies and official reports which will be published for public scrutiny and will not allow political propaganda to overshadow the truth.
The organization has claimed that the President could face censure or disciplinary action from the Legislature which would damage his political reputation, international partners and investors will lose confidence in a government that lies to its people and the country risks facing sanctions, or loss of international aid.
They have demanded Parliament to summon Dr. Mafuta Mwale to answer his role in these failed projects, the Secretary to the Treasury to issue a public statement explaining the payments made for these failed projects.
The CCM-PPM has demanded Ministers of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda and Transport Jacob Hara to be dismissed for their role in mismanaging the projects and for failing to deliver as evidenced with these failed projects.
They have also demanded that all District Commissioners be questioned about the projects and be held accountable for any mismanagement and a list of contractors involved for procurement laws followed and if any contractors were paid for work that was not completed, they must be forced to refund public funds or face legal actions.
“An independent investigation must be launched to uncover the truth behind these failed projects as in the SONA which was delivered by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on 14th February, 2025,” reads the statement in part.
The CCM-PPM have warned government that if these demands are ignored, they will mobilize nationwide protests and vigils until justice is served saying Malawians deserve transparency, accountability and responsible leadership assuring government that they refuse to be silent and watching while the country’s resources are being mismanaged.
