GEORGE SINGINI
Staff Reporter
Centre for Democracy a n d Economic Development Initiatives (Cdedi) has joined growing public calls for transparency and accountability on the cost of First Vice- President Jane Ansah’s private trip to the United Kingdom.
briefing | Courtesy of Cdedi
Addressing the media in Lilongwe yesterday, Cdedi executive director Sylvester Namiwa said the alleged cost and size of the entourage, if true, would be insensitive to Malawians grappling with economic hardship and rising taxes.
He said public scrutiny of the trip was a reflection of a growing culture of accountability that should be encouraged.
“Leaders must lead by example, especially in the implementation of austerity measures,” said Namiwa.
He said Cdedi plans to seek an audience with Ansah to hear her side of the story, adding that the outcome of the meeting would determine the organisation’s next course of action.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Vice-President has dismissed as fake documents circulating on the social media detailing the alleged travel budget purportedly pegged at K1.9 billion, but stopped short of disclosing the actual cost of the visit.
According to a letter dated December 11 2025 signed by Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Chauncy Simwaka to the Malawi High Commission in the UK, the Vice-President will undertake a private visit from December 26 2025 to January 10 2026.
Meanwhile, social media has been awash with claims that Ansah is expected to attend her husband Bishop Joseph Addo Ansah’s 80th birthday celebrations on January 3 next year.
The controversy comes barely two months after the Office of the President and Cabinet announced austerity measures, including reduced domestic and international travel and a 30 percent cut in fuel entitlements for Cabinet ministers, deputy ministers and senior public officers.
It also follows President Peter Mutharika’s first foreign trip since his inauguration, during which he travelled to South Africa from December 1 to 15 2025 in what was also described as a private visit
