Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has said her country will continue to maintain and strengthen its long-term bilateral relationship with Malawi.
She was speaking at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Monday soon after presenting letters to President Lazarus Chakwera to renew Ghana’s bilateral relations with Malawi.
Botchwey added that her country will align its priorities with Malawi’s trade and investment sector, saying there is a lot of potential for the two countries to flourish together economically.
President Chakwera and Ghana Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey
She further said apart from the trade and investment sector, her country will also work with Malawi in other sectors like climate, youth empowerment and innovation startups, labour migration and marketing.
“Commonwealth developed countries and not so developed countries have a lot of potential to trade and invest in each other’s countries and alongside create job opportunities for the youth since we have a very youthful country. We want to see a lot of industrialized countries,” said Botchwey.
She said the countries need to advocate as a block to deal with issues of adaptation, mitigation and climate financing, saying climate is key and relevant among all the member states of the Commonwealth, as it is also affecting most countries’ economies negatively.
Speaking in an interview, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo commended Ghana for the continued relationship it holds with Malawi.
“The Minister from Ghana had talks with President Chakwera where the two countries agreed the need for the two countries to continue working together and strengthen their relationship which spans way back from the Kamuzu Banda era.
“This is something that we need to carry together and there is so much we can do together to economically boost each other’s economy,” said Tembo.
Apart from presenting bilateral letters to Malawi, the Ghanaian Minister also visited the country to ask for support from President Chakwera, as Ghana has decided to field her as candidate for the post of secretary general of the Commonwealth.
The CCAP Nkhoma Synod has showered praise on President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera for delivering a silver tongued State of the Nation Address (SONA) that has re-ignited hope to the Malawi nation.
Speaking at Kamuzu Palace on Monday 12th February 2024 when the Synod’s new leadership paid a courtesy call on President Chakwera, CCAP Nkhoma Synod Moderator Reverend Masona Tembo Kaluluma said the recent SONA acknowledged all challenges being faced by Malawians and also outlined remedies to correct them.
Chakwera and leaders of Nkhoma Synod
Rev Tembo praised President Chakwera for governing Malawi using biblical principles bordering on love and unity.
He also hailed Chakwera for not losing his sight on development despite facing a myriad of challenges from some quarters of the society.
“Those who continue to speak negatively about your administration will continue to do so by choice,” he emphasized.
Reverend Tembo thanked Chakwera for introducing the Mega Farms Initiative which he says will help in eradicating hunger in the country.
He also expressed gratitude to the President for granting the Clergy an opportunity to access loans at National Economic Empowerment Fund (NEEF).
“This has eased pressure when we used to get loans from the banks,” he said.
Reverend Tembo also asked the President to consider re demarcating some constituencies in the central region to ensure fair distribution of development activities.
In his remarks, President Chakwera said government and the church are all servants of God serving his people.
President Chakwera thanked the Synod leadership for deciding to meet him and share notes on various issues affecting Malawi.
“I am always grateful whenever you come like this to see me,” he said.
He then thanked the church for partnering his administration to help realize Malawi Vision 2063 Agenda.
The president also praised the church for calling on people to pray at this time when the country is experiencing erratic rain supply.
There was drama and chaos in the August House on Monday 12th February 2024, a few minutes after it resumed its business as two Parliamentarians stood to confirm on the announcements made by the Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara on what the Business Committee agreed during its meeting on Wednesday last week.
Soon after making a few announcements in the Chamber, Gotani Hara asked the leadership of the House to confirm, starting with the Leader of the House, Richard Chimwendo Banda. But things turned into a drama when the Speaker requested the Leader of Opposition to make a confirmation on the announcements, as two Parliamentarians; Kondwani Nankhumwa (Mulanje Central) and Mary Navitcha (Thyolo Thava) stood at once to do similar assignment on behalf of the opposition parties in Parliament.
Considering the directive by the Court on the issue, the Speaker of Parliament recognized Nankhumwa as the appropriate Leader of Opposition, adding that he is the one who attended the business committee meeting as LOP, the ruling that did not go down well with DPP MPs who stood in support of Navitcha.
“Whilst acknowledging that the process that was conducted was right, but my hands are tied because of the Court injunction. So I still recognize Honorable Nankhumwa as the Leader of Opposition” ruled the Speaker while requesting Thyolo Thava to resume her seat.
Few minutes later the House was suspended as the two sides of Kondwani Nankhumwa and DPP failed to come to terms on the matter.
In the bustling world of sports, legends are often revered for their exceptional skills, remarkable achievements, and lasting impact on their respective disciplines. They are the ones who have paved the way, set new standards, and left an indelible mark on the history of the game. However, as time goes by, many legends find themselves slowly fading into the background, their contributions overshadowed by newer, younger stars.
But in Malawi, two football legends have sparked a conversation about the importance of recognizing and involving legends in different sectors of the game. Kinnah Phiri and Lawrence Waya, both revered figures in Malawian football, have highlighted the need for legends to play a more active role in shaping the future of the sport in their country. The just-ended Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) served as a stark reminder of how other nations harness the knowledge and expertise of their legends to propel their footballing success.
Lawrence Waya
Waya, speaking passionately about the issue, emphasized the valuable insights and experience that legends can offer to the development of the game. He pointed out that in many countries, legends are not simply left to fade away, but are actively involved in coaching, scouting, technical, and administrative roles within the sport. This inclusive approach to involving legends ensures that their wealth of knowledge is passed down to future generations, enriching the sport as a whole.
Phiri echoed Waya’s sentiments, underscoring the importance of recognizing legends across all sporting codes and providing them with opportunities to contribute to the growth and development of various disciplines. He highlighted the need for Malawi to follow the example set by other nations in tapping into the reservoir of talent and experience that legends possess.
By involving legends in coaching, mentoring, and strategic decision-making, the sporting landscape in Malawi could be transformed for the better.
One individual who has taken proactive steps towards supporting former players and administrators in Malawi is Jim Kalua, the founder of JK Productions. Kalua’s efforts to improve the welfare of legends within the sporting community have been lauded by both Phiri and Waya.
Through initiatives such as providing medical and funeral cover to affiliated legends, JK Productions is helping to ensure that those who have dedicated their lives to the game are not forgotten or neglected in their later years.
Justin Saidi, the Vice Board Chairperson of JK Productions, shared insights into the organization’s plans to further support legends and ensure their well-being.
By offering essential services such as medical and funeral cover, JK Productions is striving to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for former players and administrators.
This kind of holistic approach to caring for legends not only honors their contributions but also ensures that they are respected and valued throughout their lives.
As Malawi navigates its sporting landscape and seeks to compete on a global stage, the involvement of legends could be a game-changer.
By recognizing the importance of tapping into the knowledge and experience of those who have come before, Malawi can leverage the wisdom of its legends to propel its sporting potential to new heights.
Embracing legends is not just about paying tribute to the past; it’s about building a stronger, more connected sporting community that values the contributions of all its members.
In conclusion, the voices of Phiri and Waya serve as a poignant reminder of the vital role that legends can play in shaping the future of sports in Malawi.
As the nation reflects on the lessons learned from Afcon and looks towards a more inclusive and supportive sporting environment, the involvement of legends must be prioritized.
Their knowledge, experience, and passion can serve as a guiding light for the next generation of athletes, administrators, and fans.
It’s time for Malawi to embrace its legends and unlock the full potential of its sporting heritage legends possess.
By involving legends in coaching, mentoring, and strategic decision-making, the sporting landscape in Malawi could be transformed for the better.
One individual who has taken proactive steps towards supporting former players and administrators in Malawi is Jim Kalua, the founder of JK Productions.
Kalua’s efforts to improve the welfare of legends within the sporting community have been lauded by both Phiri and Waya.
Through initiatives such as providing medical and funeral cover to affiliated legends, JK Productions is helping to ensure that those who have dedicated their lives to the game are not forgotten or neglected in their later years.
Justin Saidi, the Vice Board Chairperson of JK Productions, shared insights into the organization’s plans to further support legends and ensure their well-being.
By offering essential services such as medical and funeral cover, JK Productions is striving to create a more supportive and inclusive environment for former players and administrators.
This kind of holistic approach to caring for legends not only honors their contributions but also ensures that they are respected and valued throughout their lives.
As Malawi navigates its sporting landscape and seeks to compete on a global stage, the involvement of legends could be a game-changer.
By recognizing the importance of tapping into the knowledge and experience of those who have come before, Malawi can leverage the wisdom of its legends to propel its sporting potential to new heights.
Embracing legends is not just about paying tribute to the past; it’s about building a stronger, more connected sporting community that values the contributions of all its members.
In conclusion, the voices of Phiri and Waya serve as a poignant reminder of the vital role that legends can play in shaping the future of sports in Malawi.
As the nation reflects on the lessons learned from Afcon and looks towards a more inclusive and supportive sporting environment, the involvement of legends must be prioritized.
Their knowledge, experience, and passion can serve as a guiding light for the next generation of athletes, administrators, and fans.
It’s time for Malawi to embrace its legends and unlock the full potential of its sporting heritage.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent” Martin Luther King Jnr
There has never been a time when the youths of Malawi have been hit with a barrage of problems than this time. The country is full of vibrant young men and women, having university degrees but remaining jobless. The country is full of young people, that have lost a sense of direction as the opportunities for survival remains scarce. There is one thing I have noted though- the youth of Malawi are lacking a mouthpiece, a strong voice that would speak on their behalf and lobby the government to take a serious look on the issues that the youths are facing in this country. The reality is that the youths are lacking a revolutionary figure like Timothy Mtambo.
Mtambo has been silent, he is missing at a time when the country needs him most. After leading the youths of this country in a revolution that deposed the despotic regime of Peter Mutharika and his DPP- many youths believed Mtambo will continue to be the figurehead. That potent link between the government machinery and the youths of this country. When Mtambo established his revolutionary movement called Citizens for Transformation Movement (CFT) there was excitement among the youths that they now have a platform that they can use to take the government to account if it doesn’t deliver for the youths.
The youth’s problems have become critical. Growing up being encouraged to work hard at school for a better future, the youths are finding themselves with qualifications that have become useless as there is no job opportunities. The economic situation in the country means most parents are struggling to pay fees for their children, hence increasing what economists call Neets (Not in Employment, Education or Training).
The youths of Malawi are being choked with lack of opportunities. Banks are not offering them loans as they have no securities, the small job opportunities that becomes available demands that that the youths should have enough experience before they are employed. We are now left with a country that has majority of young people doing nothing. This is a ticking time bomb. What is worrying is that there is no powerful voice to represent the plight of the youths in the country.
This is why, after leaving government , many are asking , what is Timothy Mtambo doing ? Many are asking if he is able to see the many problems that the youths are facing and if he still stands by the principles that made him form the Citizens Transformation Movement . Martin Luther King Jr said “ Our lives begin to end the day we become Silent “. The silence of those people that were supposed to speaking up for the youths is something very worrying.
