By Jeremiah Mphande:
President Peter Mutharika has urged newly appointed Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers and the Attorney General to work with integrity and deliver tangible results for the nation, stressing that their appointments are a call to service and not a reward.
The President made the remarks at Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe on Sunday during the swearing-in ceremony of 21 Ministers and Deputy Ministers, including Attorney General Frank Mbeta.
“This is not a time to eat, rather, it is a time to work, and to work hard for the prosperity of our beloved country,” said President Mutharika.
The President said his administration is focused on transforming the economy through production and exports to create jobs and generate foreign exchange.
He called on the new Cabinet to remove bottlenecks that hinder national progress and to support his development agenda with urgency and diligence.
Mutharika further announced that every constituency across the country will receive K5 billion annually to promote grassroots development under the decentralization policy.
He said this initiative aims to ensure that all Malawians benefit from national development programmes and that growth is inclusive and visible at community level.
He also challenged the Cabinet to empower young people by integrating skills development in national projects, saying the youth are central to driving industrialization, innovation and sustainable growth.
The President warned against corruption, describing it as a cancer that drains public resources and undermines national progress.
He reminded the newly appointed leaders to set an example by demonstrating transparency and financial prudence.
“No nation can prosper where corruption thrives,” he said, adding that every tambala of public funds must deliver value to the citizens.
Turning to the Attorney General, Mutharika urged him to strengthen the legislative framework to promote accountability, seal loopholes and ensure that all government contracts protect Malawi’s national interests.
He emphasized that leadership is a sacred trust and that those in public office must serve with humility, compassion and honour, pledging that he would closely monitor progress through monthly performance reports from each ministry.
“I have every hope that each one of you will serve with honour and distinction,” Mutharika said as he concluded his address.
The event was attended by Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah, Second Vice President Enock Chihana, senior government officials, clergy and other invited guests.
