By Jane Ansah, Malawi Vice President
I want to clarify the roles of Right Honourable Enock Kanzingeni Chihana, our Second Vice President, and Honourable Alfred Ruwan Gangata, our Minister of State, as some have asked about their duties and how they fit into our government.
Right Honourable Chihana Second Vice President Chihana will take the lead in overseeing all boards of government institutions. Every board will report directly to him on reforms, progress, and challenges. He will ensure monthly reporting to track improvements, guarantee transparency, and strengthen corporate governance. His office will monitor how public resources are used, identify inefficiencies, and recommend corrective actions where necessary.
For too long, boards have been operating outside the law and beyond their mandates. Right Honourable Chihana is coming in to set things right. Every six months, he will hold meetings with all board heads to review their work and plans. In addition, Chihana will meet with each board as he deems necessary and will report directly to the President, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, ensuring full accountability and proper governance.
In short, Chihana will act as a guardian of good governance and accountability in government institutions. He will make sure that boards are not just “doing meetings,” but actually delivering results for Malawians. His role is crucial to ensure that public enterprises and government agencies operate professionally, efficiently, and in the national interest.
Honourable Alfred Ruwan Gangata Minister of State is a trusted manager of government operations. He will act as an intermediary between the President and all ministers, facilitating urgent action whenever a ministry needs something done quickly. He will coordinate government programs across Defence, Health, Agriculture, and other sectors, ensuring that different parts of government work together smoothly.
Gangata’s experience as a seasoned businessman and his wide network of connections make him particularly effective in this role. He will monitor government operations, advise the President if anything is off track, and ensure that public resources are used responsibly.
Both offices are strategic and vital for the smooth running of government. While Chihana focuses on governance, oversight, and accountability across boards and public institutions, Gangata ensures that the machinery of government moves efficiently, that ministries communicate, and that urgent matters are handled without delay.
Malawians should take comfort that corporate governance, fiscal discipline, and operational efficiency are at the heart of these appointments. We are committed to ensuring that every institution and ministry serves the people, not politics or personal interests.
