The tides of duty: A Vice President’s temporary reprieve

Jane Ansah
Jane Ansah Departs Malawi

By Burnett Munthali

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Right Honorable Vice President Dr Jane Ansah has embarked on a private visit to the United Kingdom.

This temporary absence from Malawi’s shores marks a brief pause in her engagements, a respite from the demands of statecraft.

Her departure from Kamuzu International Airport at 2:50 p.m. on Friday, 26 December 2025, was a measured affair, conducted with the dignity befitting her high office

The protocols observed during her exit underscored the respect accorded to her position, a testament to her esteemed role in the nation’s governance.

Beyond the immediacy of her public office, Dr Ansah’s influence remains a constant, a guiding force in Malawi’s developmental and administrative endeavours.

Her private visit to the UK highlights her ongoing commitments, a demonstration of her continued engagement in matters of national importance.

As she steps away from the helm, the nation’s progress remains paramount, with Dr Ansah’s leadership an indispensable component of Malawi’s trajectory.

The Vice President’s return, scheduled for 10 January 2026, will reinstate her at the forefront of Malawi’s governance, driving the nation towards a brighter horizon.

In her absence, the nation remains steadfast, navigating the complexities of progress with Dr Ansah’s stewardship serving as a beacon of stability.

Dr Ansah’s temporary reprieve will soon give way to her renewed efforts, as she resumes her pivotal role in shaping Malawi’s future.


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Ansah’s Christmas visit: Spreading joy at Nkhoma Hospital

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-As part of her Christmas celebrations, Vice President Jane Ansah visited patients at Nkhoma Hospital in Lilongwe, showing her commitment to uplifting patients during the festive season.

Ansah praised the hospital for helping diverse individuals seeking treatment, highlighting its vital role in healthcare.

She named the first Christmas baby born at the hospital “Jane” – Levinesi Sikonda, adding a personal touch.

However, Ansah expressed concern over maternal deaths at the hospital, where eight mothers died this year compared to one last year, pointing to issues.

Meanwhile, Hospital Director Victor Moyo said despite the hospital’s progress, lack of resources and staff shortages are challenges, highlighting obstacles faced.

Moyo’s comments underscore the hospital’s struggles amid VP Ansah’s visit.

The Vice President’s actions reflect compassion and leadership, touching lives at Nkhoma.

Dr. Ansah’s visit aimed to uplift patients and staff, blending care with governance.

The hospital’s story includes both progress and challenges, as shared by its leader.

Her “Jane” gesture to the newborn symbolizes hope amid healthcare discussions.


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Concerned citizen questions Veep Ansah’s UK trip purpose, costs

Jane Ansah
Malawi Vice President

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Concerned citizen Edward Kambanje has expressed serious concern over reports that the government has approved an official trip by the country’s Vice President to the United Kingdom, with costs estimated at MK2 billion.

He described the reported expenditure as alarming given the current economic hardships facing the country.

Kambanje said the move raises questions about government priorities at a time when many citizens are struggling to meet basic needs due to rising prices and reduced incomes.

He noted that such spending appears insensitive to the realities ordinary Malawians are experiencing daily.

According to Kambanje, this is a period when the government should be exercising strict financial discipline.

He argued that every public resource must be carefully safeguarded and used only for purposes that bring clear and direct benefits to the nation.

He further stated that leaders have consistently urged citizens to endure tough measures in the name of economic recovery.

In his view, those in authority should set an example by avoiding expenditures that may be perceived as unnecessary or excessive.

Kambanje questioned the necessity of the Vice President’s proposed UK visit, asking whether its objectives could not be achieved through less costly alternatives.

He said exploring such options would demonstrate a commitment to prudent use of public funds.

The concerned citizen believes the reported K2 billion could significantly improve service delivery if redirected to these priority areas.

He emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in public spending.

Kambanje called on the government to clearly outline the purpose of the trip and the tangible outcomes expected from it.

He added that citizens have a right to understand how major financial decisions are made, especially during a time when the country is under severe economic strain.

Kambanje urged leaders to remain mindful that public funds come from taxpayers who expect responsible and respectful management of their contributions.


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Malawi bids farewell to Japan’s envoy Yoichi Oya as six years of transformative cooperation ends

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Vice President Jane Ansah on Thursday, 11 December 2025, hosted outgoing Japanese Ambassador Yoichi Oya for a farewell engagement marking the end of his diplomatic mission in Malawi.

During the meeting, Ansah conveyed her gratitude for Ambassador Oya’s impactful tenure, noting that his leadership had played a crucial role in deepening the partnership between the two nations.

She reflected on the enduring friendship between Malawi and Japan, a relationship grounded in mutual respect and shared development goals since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1964.

The Vice President highlighted that Japan remains one of Malawi’s most dependable partners, supporting wide-ranging development efforts in sectors such as public health, energy, agriculture, education, infrastructure, and human resource development.

She pointed to several flagship Japanese-funded initiatives, including the construction of the new Lilongwe River Bridge, the modernization of electricity substations in Kanengo and Old Town, and upgrades at Domasi Technical College of Education.

Dr Ansah also applauded the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers programme, noting that Malawi hosts the largest number of Japanese volunteers globally due to the country’s stability, warmth, and cultural affinity with Japan.

She commended Japan’s continued investment in the transformation of the Nacala Corridor, describing it as a strategic lifeline for regional trade benefiting Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia.

Ambassador Oya, in his farewell remarks, congratulated Dr Ansah on her September 2025 electoral victory and reflected on his six years of service, which spanned two diplomatic terms.

He recalled Cyclone Freddy as one of the most heartbreaking moments of his time in Malawi, describing the devastation along the southern borders as an unforgettable tragedy.

Speaking later in an interview, Ambassador Oya shared his fond memories of Malawi, from the serenity of Lake Malawi to the vibrant Japan Day celebrations, and expressed optimism that Japanese culture will continue to flourish across the country even after his departure.


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Of VP’s controversial frequent food distribution trips

The vice president, Jane Ansah, has sparked mixed reactions among concerned Malawians due to her frequent food distribution trips.

To begin with, supporters of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) maintain that it falls within her duties as the leader of the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) to evaluate the extent of food crisis, engage with impacted communities, and facilitate prompt aid initiatives.

They contend that these actions play a vital role in disaster management by ensuring that the response is suitable and prompt.

It is indeed true that her presence on the ground can easily facilitate a better understanding of the situation and the specific needs of the communities affected by disasters.

Additionally, the community’s confidence in government initiatives can be strengthened by her involvement, as it reassures Malawians that their concerns are directly being acknowledged and resolved.

It is therefore believed that this Ansah’s approach can improve the overall efficiency of disaster relief efforts and promote a feeling of cooperation between the government and local communities.

However, distributing food items as a vice president comes with additional expenses.

Firstly, the transportation of food items requires vehicles, which incur fuel expenses. Obviously, vice president’s frequent trips lead to significant fuel consumption.

In fact, regular use of state vehicles for food distribution often leads to increased wear and tear, necessitating repairs and maintenance that can strain state budgets.

Additionally, the travel of the vice-president results in the mobilization of security personnel, provision of accommodations and daily allowances for protection teams and other emergency personnel, as well as coordination with local law enforcement for logistics.

Obviously, these expenses astronomically accumulate over multiple trips.

In conclusion, while food distribution initiatives are vital for community support, they can also lead to significant expenditures that oftentimes drain state resources.

It is essential to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of these trips to ensure that they are providing the intended benefits without imposing excessive costs on the state.

It is strongly advised that during this time of strict economic measures, one way to decrease the overall cost of Vice President’s frequent travel is to assign food assessments and distribution tasks to local and regional authorities.

Lastly, it is believed that excessive expenditures on Ansah’s travel should be redirected towards providing direct assistance or constructing necessary infrastructure.


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Veep Ansah urges food self-reliance during Chikwawa Lean Season Response

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Vice President Dr Jane Ansah spearheaded the Lean Season Response Programme in Chikwawa, urging unity and collective commitment in the fight against hunger.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Ansah described the food distribution initiative as a critical intervention designed to support households grappling with severe food shortages during the lean period.

She emphasized that sustainable development at family, community, or national level is impossible without sufficient food.

Dr Ansah explained that the 2024/2025 farming season was severely affected by the La Niña weather pattern, which delayed rainfall, caused erratic showers, and left some areas parched, leading to widespread crop failure.

She added that crop-destroying pests, economic hardships, and rising commodity prices further aggravated food insecurity for many Malawians.

Citing the latest Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee report, Dr Ansah noted that over four million people are at risk of food insecurity between October 2025 and March 2026.

Highlighting government interventions, she said that President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika declared food insecurity across all districts, necessitating food assistance throughout the country.

She thanked development partners and supporting nations for enabling the timely rollout of the programme and praised district councils for ensuring smooth distribution.

Dr Ansah encouraged communities to adopt modern, climate-smart agricultural practices that reduce reliance on rainfall to secure long-term food stability.

In closing, she urged beneficiaries to use the maize responsibly and report any misuse or fraud, assuring them that legal action would be taken against all acts of corruption.


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