By Burnett Munthali
Vice President Right Honourable Justice Dr Jane Ansah has called on Malawians to demonstrate renewed national resolve in the fight against corruption during International Anti-Corruption Day at the Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe.
Speaking on behalf of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, she emphasised that the battle against corruption must prioritise restoring and protecting the dignity of every citizen.
Ansah highlighted that this year’s theme, which focuses on promoting human dignity, complements the global campaign that encourages young people to take an active role in shaping a future anchored in integrity and accountability.
She pointed out that with 1.8 billion young people globally, empowering Malawi’s youth to stand firmly against corruption is critical to building honest, resilient, and sustainable societies.
The Vice President reminded participants that corruption is not merely a financial offence but a profound moral violation that deprives citizens of essential services, such as classrooms, hospitals, and livelihood opportunities.
She urged the Anti-Corruption Bureau and the Ministry of Justice to conduct critical reviews of public service practices that undermine human dignity, ensuring that public resources are distributed fairly, transparently, and without prejudice.
Ansah spoke candidly about the destructive impact of corruption, describing it as a force that weakens institutions, erodes democracy, and steals the nation’s future from its people.
She reaffirmed government’s Zero Tolerance Policy on corruption and pledged to implement reforms aimed at strengthening the independence, capacity, and operational integrity of the Anti-Corruption Bureau.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the Bureau over the years, she commended its resilience and commitment to maintaining independence despite attempts to undermine its work.
In closing, Ansah called for a united national front against corruption, urging civil society, religious leaders, the media, development partners, and ordinary citizens to actively support efforts toward a transparent, accountable, and dignified Malawi.
