Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Rebecca Chimjeka
Published on 2024-03-09 07:11:23
The Office of the Ombudsman has opened up old wounds by resurrecting the ghosts of Malawi’s fraudulent K750 million fertiliser contract with a UK butchery in 2022. This move has sparked demands for immediate criminal investigations against those involved in the scandal, as the government has failed to take decisive action thus far.
In 2022, the Malawian government entered into a deal with Barkaart Foods Limited of the UK for the supply of 25,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser for the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP). The government paid the company K750 million for the consignment, believing that the firm had a supply line with globally-renowned fertiliser manufacturer, Yara Limited. However, it was later revealed that Barkaart Foods Limited was actually a butchery that terminated the contract at the eleventh hour after receiving the payment, citing a loss of the supply line.
This scandal triggered a year-long effort by the government to recover the money, under pressure from the public, politicians, and activists. Finally, in August the following year, Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda announced that the government had successfully reclaimed the funds. Now, the focus has shifted to holding accountable those responsible for the fraudulent deal.
Ombudsman Grace Malera has issued a Systemic Investigation Report calling for criminal investigations against public officers involved in the contract. She has also directed the Ministry of Agriculture to impose disciplinary sanctions on officials guilty of unethical conduct. Additionally, Malera has urged for a forensic audit of the AIP in the past two financial years to uncover instances of fraud, financial mismanagement, and other malpractices.
Malera pointed out that the outcomes of the AIP did not align with the financial investments made by the government, raising concerns about the program’s effectiveness. She emphasized the need for a forensic audit to expose any illegal activities and improve the program for the benefit of all Malawians.
In response to the Ombudsman’s report, both DPP Masauko Chamkakala and AG Nyirenda expressed readiness to take action once they receive the necessary documentation. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Sam Kawale acknowledged the Ombudsman’s findings and emphasized the ministry’s commitment to enhancing the AIP and transitioning to commercial farming.
The scandal surrounding the Barkaat deal resulted in the dismissal of the Minister of Agriculture and his deputy, as well as a public inquiry by a parliamentary committee. However, the inquiry failed to hold some government officials accountable, prompting calls for justice from committee chairpersons Sameer Suleman and Gladys Ganda.
Suleman welcomed the Ombudsman’s intervention and stressed the importance of holding accountable those who misuse public funds. He highlighted the need for justice in the Barkaat case and urged the Ombudsman to investigate other instances of financial misconduct, such as the theft of maize. Despite challenges faced by the parliamentary committee, Suleman remained steadfast in seeking justice for the people of Malawi.
Read the original article on The Times
