By Chisomo Phiri
Vice President Jane Ansah has accused some officials within the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-led government of deliberately sidelining her from some government activities, saying she knows the people behind the move but remains unfazed.
Speaking to local media at her office on Monday, Ansah said her relationship with President Arthur Peter Mutharika remains cordial, but some individuals within the government machinery and the DPP are preventing her from fully participating in government business.
Ansah and Mutharika
Ansah said she wrote three letters to Secretary to the President and Cabinet Justin Saidi regarding some matters, but did not receive responses.
She also claimed that on some occasions she has been excluded from official programmes involving the president.
The VP cited an instance when she was told that she should not be included among dignitaries when Mutharika travelled to South Africa.
“Sometimes I can be told, ‘Don’t bother yourself, Madam.This is a private meeting or trip, so don’t bother coming,’” Ansah said.
She further complained that she has not been receiving the materials normally provided to participants ahead of Cabinet meetings.
“When you go to a Cabinet meeting, you are supposed to receive a bag containing materials for the meeting. This happens at least two days before, but even today my bag has not come,” she said.
Ansah said she has attended only three Cabinet meetings since assuming office.
“I have attended only three Cabinet meetings,” she said.
She also recalled being excluded from an occasion when Mutharika delivered his first address to Malawians after returning to the presidency.
“The day president Peter Mutharika first addressed the nation, did you see me? I was told that I was not needed there,” she said.
Asked whether she raised her concerns with Mutharika, Ansah said she has not yet.
“No, because I am not a cry baby. I deal with issues myself,” she said.
Ansah maintained that despite what she described as attempts by some officials to sideline her, her relationship with Mutharika remains good.
“I know all of you,” Ansah said, without naming the individuals she believes are behind the alleged sidelining.
The VP also dismissed speculation that she will establish her own political party, saying she does not have the financial resources to do so.
“I don’t have money,” Ansah said, adding that she is still repaying a bank loan she obtained to finance campaign meetings.
She said her financial situation is such that she cannot even afford to buy a car at the moment because she is still servicing the loan.
Ansah became VP after Mutharika chose her as his running mate ahead of the September 2025 presidential election.
The pair went on to win the election, with the Malawi Electoral Commission(MEC) declaring Mutharika president-elect and Ansah vice president-elect after the DPP secured 56.8 percent of the vote.
She was subsequently sworn in as first VP when Mutharika assumed office in October 2025.
