Veep’s delegation justified for security, national engagements

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

•Experts demand clarity on Ansah’s private trip

The Office of the Vice President has issued a strong response to public debate surrounding Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah’s upcoming visit to the United Kingdom, defending the size and composition of her delegation.

The response follows growing public scrutiny after reports emerged suggesting that Dr. Ansah would travel with a delegation of up to 15 people.

Concerns were initially raised by governance experts and civil society organisations questioning the necessity of such a delegation during a period of economic strain.

Speaking earlier on the matter, the spokesperson for the Office of the Vice President, Richard Mveriwa, initially declined to comment on a letter circulating on social media regarding the trip.

The letter reportedly indicated that Dr. Ansah was expected to travel to the United Kingdom with a group of 15 people this month.

However, Mveriwa confirmed that the Vice President will indeed depart Malawi on 26 December 2025.

He further confirmed that Dr. Ansah is scheduled to return to the country on 10 January 2026.

At that time, Mveriwa stated that the trip was private and not directly linked to official government duties.

He emphasized that the delegation accompanying Dr. Ansah is both constitutional and necessary

Against this backdrop, the Office of the Vice President has now moved to clarify its position in detail.

The office explained that holders of high constitutional office cannot travel alone due to security and protocol requirements.

According to the statement, the Vice President’s delegation includes senior officials from her office.

It also includes protocol officers responsible for diplomatic and ceremonial arrangements.

Security personnel form a key part of the delegation to ensure the Vice President’s safety.

Medical staff have also been included to cater for health and emergency needs during the trip.

Personal assistants and administrative officers are part of the team to support the Vice President’s daily functions.

Mveriwa explained that every individual in the delegation has a clearly defined role.
He stressed that none of the accompanying officials are included for convenience or luxury.

The Office of the Vice President further revealed that the trip, while categorized as private, includes engagements of national significance.

According to an official communication dated 11 December 2025 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Ansah will be based in Nottingham during her stay.

The Ministry formally notified the Malawi High Commission in London to liaise with British authorities.

This engagement was meant to ensure proper protocol, security, and logistical arrangements.

Mveriwa explained that such coordination is standard practice for senior government officials.

He added that during the visit, the Vice President is expected to hold bilateral discussions with strategic partners.

“These engagements are not social in nature.

“They are intended to advance Malawi’s national interests,” he added.

He noted that discussions held during the visit could yield long-term benefits for the country.

These benefits may include cooperation in development, governance, and international relations.

Mveriwa emphasized that it is normal international practice for a Vice President to travel with a structured delegation.

He said all arrangements for the trip comply with government regulations and diplomatic protocol.

The Office of the Vice President has therefore urged Malawians to consider the broader context of diplomacy and governance.

It says such engagements are vital to strengthening Malawi’s international standing.

The office further stressed that responsible leadership requires balancing fiscal discipline with national interest.

As public debate continues, the government maintains that Dr. Ansah’s travel arrangements are justified.

The Office of the Vice President says it remains committed to transparency and accountability.

This clarification did little to ease public concern, particularly among governance watchdogs.

Chairperson of the National Advocacy Forum, Benedicto Kondowe was among those who openly questioned the scale of the delegation.

Kondowe argued that while the Vice President has a right to private travel, prudence and restraint were necessary given the country’s economic challenges.

He suggested that Dr. Ansah could reasonably travel with a smaller team of about six essential personnel.

According to Kondowe, travelling with as many as 15 people appeared to contradict government commitments to reduce public spending.

He noted that the government had recently announced measures aimed at cutting costs.

These measures included reducing the frequency of foreign travel and limiting the number of senior officials accompanying leaders abroad.

Kondowe said such austerity measures were meant to help stabilize an economy that remains under significant pressure.

He warned that perceived contradictions between policy and practice could erode public trust.

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