By Burnett Munthali
Leader of the opposition in the Malawi Parliament, George Chaponda, has called for the immediate resignation of three top government officials over their alleged involvement in dubious fuel procurement and the controversial sale of Likoma Island. In a statement issued recently, Chaponda targeted Secretary to the President and Cabinet Colleen Zamba, Minister of Transport Jacob Hara, and Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule, accusing them of playing significant roles in corrupt dealings that have siphoned billions of Kwachas from the public coffers.
Chaponda’s accusations come amid growing public outcry over the mismanagement of public resources under President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration. According to Chaponda, the corruption and misappropriation of funds by these top officials represent a betrayal of the people’s trust and a direct assault on their well-being, as critical services are being neglected.
“The theft of billions of Kwachas through dubious dealings is not merely a political issue; it is a direct assault on the well-being of the citizens, depriving them of critical services,” Chaponda said in his statement.
He went on to accuse the Chakwera administration of using the stolen funds to bribe musicians, retired politicians, and fund political rallies, creating a system that benefits only a select few while the majority of Malawians continue to suffer.
Chaponda singled out Secretary to the President Colleen Zamba for allegedly facilitating the illegal fuel procurement deal involving the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA) and Dubai-based suppliers. He also pointed fingers at Transport Minister Jacob Hara, who is said to have played a key role in enabling the fuel contract, which was done without following proper procedures. Additionally, Chaponda accused Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule of involvement in the alleged sale of Likoma and Chizumulu Islands, transactions that have sparked widespread controversy.
“This is a clear violation of the mandate given to this government,” Chaponda stated. “I hereby demand the immediate resignation of the Secretary to the President (Colleen Zamba), the Transport Minister (Jacob Hara), and the Tourism Minister (Vera Kamtukule), who have been involved in dubious deals to buy fuel and sell the Likoma and Chizumulu Islands respectively.”
Chaponda’s demands have gained traction following media reports, which have exposed the roles of Zamba and Hara in NOCMA’s questionable fuel procurement from Dubai. Likewise, Kamtukule’s alleged involvement in the sale of Likoma Island has raised concerns about the transparency and accountability of the Chakwera administration.
These allegations have only intensified the pressure on the government to provide answers and take action. Chaponda has called upon all Malawians to rise up and demand accountability from their leaders, stating that the nation cannot afford to remain passive while its resources are being plundered.
“Malawians must wake up and demand that their leaders are held accountable for these actions. We cannot stand by while the nation’s wealth is being looted by a corrupt few,” Chaponda said.
The allegations made by Chaponda come at a time when the Chakwera administration is already facing criticism over its handling of the economy and public services. With these new revelations, the call for transparency and accountability has grown louder. Chaponda’s demands are reflective of the growing sentiment among many Malawians who feel that the current government has strayed far from its promises of clean governance and economic prosperity.
While the government has yet to respond to Chaponda’s accusations, the pressure is mounting. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the three officials named will face any consequences or whether the administration will take steps to address the growing concerns about corruption within its ranks.
Chaponda’s demand for the resignation of Colleen Zamba, Jacob Hara, and Vera Kamtukule signals a major escalation in the opposition’s efforts to hold the Chakwera administration accountable. The corruption allegations, if proven true, could have far-reaching consequences for the government and its ability to maintain public trust. As the 2025 elections approach, the issue of transparency and accountability will likely become a central theme in Malawi’s political landscape.
