OXFAM CALLS FOR PROSECUTION OF CULPRITS INVOLVED IN COVID GATE

By Aamon Butao

The charity Oxfam has joined numerous calls for government to swiftly recover stolen resources highlighted in the K6.2 Billion Covid-19 funds report.

In a statement, Oxfam country director Lingalileni Mihowa said the forensic report has exposed all looters of funds meant for Covid-19 response.

Mihowa has challenged government not to hesitate in prosecuting culprits mentioned in the report.

“Malawians were keen to hear what the President will say on the damning report on abuse of Covid-19 resources. And the President has clearly demonstrated that he is serious about tackling theft, bribery and corruption in the public sector – head on,” said Mihowa.

 Arrest and trial of suspects behind the plunder will, according to Mihowa, be the first step to end a deep rooted culture of squandering public resources within the government machinery. 

Mihowa said, “In his speech, the President also made an important statement; that of acknowledging the importance of active citizenship in demanding for accountability and transparency in allocation, utilisation and impact of public resources. We welcome the President’s sentiments in this regard, as many citizens and Civil Society Organization (CSOs) will feel encouraged to raise their voices on matters of public interest in this country, including resource governance. A safe guarded and inclusive civic space is important for our democracy”.

Minister of Labor Ken Kandodo has become the latest high profile government figure to be among the casualties resulting from the Chakwera sanctioned forensic report that looked into management of Covid-19 resources between September and December last year.