President Peter Mutharika has contradicted government spokesperson Shadric Namalomba on First Vice-President Jane Ansah private trip to the United Kingdom (UK).
Recently, Namalomba said Ansah took only five officials on the trip at a cost of K168 million, not the K1.9 billion that went viral on social media.
She left Malawi on December 26, 2025 and is expected to be back on January 10, 2026.
He said: “The total approved budget for this official visit is K168 028 400. This amount covers all associated costs, including international air travel and travel allowances for the delegation.
“Under normal circumstances, the trip would cost K294 719 200. However, considering the prevailing economic situation and the austerity measures announced by His Excellency President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika in October this year, the cost was substantially reduced to align with the fiscal principles.”
However, during the new year address, Mutharika said the first vice president used her own resources.
“It got to my attention that the Vice President planned to use public funds on her private trip to the UK. I wish to report that the Vice President assured me that she would use her private resources on her trip.
“I would like to assure all Malawians that my administration remains firmly committed to exercising the highest level of prudence and accountability in the management of public resources,” he said
