Malawians React as Controversy Erupts Over Vice President’s UK Trip Budget

Spread the love

Malawian residents have been left talking after reports emerged alleging that Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah demanded more than K2 billion to travel to the United Kingdom for her husband’s birthday celebrations.

The matter has sparked intense public debate, especially after an official document detailing the proposed expenditure circulated widely on social media.

According to the memorandum dated 12 December 2025, Dr. Ansah was scheduled to undertake a private visit to Nottingham, United Kingdom, from 26 December 2025 to 10 January 2026.

The trip was primarily intended to allow her to attend and celebrate the 80th birthday of her husband, Bishop Dr. Joseph Addo Ansah, a Ghanaian preacher. However, the document notes that she would continue to execute official duties during the visit as required.

Also Read

The document outlines a total estimated budget of K1,962,683,226.38, close to K2 billion, based on prevailing parallel market foreign exchange rates. Key cost items include a first-class air ticket for the Vice President amounting to K118 million, business class tickets for eight officials at K478 million, and premium economy tickets for seven officials costing K168 million.

Daily subsistence allowances for the Vice President and accompanying officials are also listed, alongside K86 million allocated as a warm clothes allowance.

Additional expenses include internal travel, conference packages, car hire services, and allowances for security personnel, personal assistants, and protocol officers.

The delegation was approved to receive daily subsistence allowances at double rates due to the high cost of living in the UK.

Following public backlash, the Office of the Vice President issued a denial, distancing itself from the reported figures.

While the office dismissed the circulating budget as misleading, it did not provide an alternative cost estimate for the trip or clarify the final approved expenditure.

Dr. Jane Ansah, a former High Court judge, Attorney-General, and Electoral Commission chairperson before becoming Vice President, now finds herself at the center of a debate that has reignited concerns over public spending, accountability, and priorities at a time when many Malawians continue to face economic hardship.