Zim GBC News | Regional Desk
LILONGWE – Malawians have reacted with widespread outrage after an official government memorandum revealed plans to use nearly MK2 billion (approximately US$1.2 million) in public funds to finance Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah’s private trip to the United Kingdom to celebrate her husband’s birthday.
The internal document, dated from the Office of the Vice President and addressed to the Secretary to the Treasury, outlines an extravagant two-week visit to Nottingham from December 26, 2025, to January 10, 2026. The stated purpose is for Dr. Ansah “to attend and celebrate the 80th birthday of her husband, Bishop Dr. Joseph Addo Ansah.”
Despite being labeled a “private visit,” the 23-person delegation includes the Secretary to the Vice President, special advisors, accountants, protocol officers, security personnel, and personal assistants. The memo states that “Her Honour will continue to execute official duties as required” during the holiday.
The cost breakdown, based on parallel market exchange rates due to “limited access to foreign currency” in banks, has ignited public anger. It includes:
· MK 118 million for the Vice President’s First-Class air ticket.
· MK 478.8 million for Business Class tickets for eight officials.
· MK 168.2 million for Premium Economy tickets for seven more officials.
· Daily Subsistence Allowances (DSA) at double the standard rate, totaling MK 807.78 million for the delegation.
· MK 408.7 million for incidentals like internal travel and car hire.
· A contentious MK 86 million line item explicitly for “warm clothes allowance.”
Social media and civil society groups have condemned the expenditure as a gross misappropriation of resources in one of the world’s least developed nations, which has recently endured economic hardships and austerity measures. Economic analyst, Thandie Mponela, commented,
“This is not just insensitive; it is a blatant betrayal of public trust. At a time when ordinary Malawians are struggling with the cost of living, allocating billions for a private family celebration abroad is indefensible.”
The memo, signed by Secretary to the Vice President Eric Yesaya, requests “urgent attention” to settle the costs, noting that the Secretary to the President and Cabinet has already approved the double-rate allowances. Attempts to get an official comment from the Vice President’s office were unsuccessful at the time of publishing.
The scandal has prompted calls from opposition leaders and activists for immediate parliamentary scrutiny and the cancellation of the trip.
“This document is a smoking gun,” said human rights advocate Kingsley Juma.
“It exemplifies the entitlement and fiscal recklessness that plagues our governance. Every tambala must be accounted for.”
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