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President Peter Mutharika has earned praise for demanding reports from controlling officers in ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), but governance analysts have said the call should include sanctions for non-complying officers. In separate interviews, the commentators said while the requirement to submit monthly performance reports is welcome, the directive will only yield desired results if the government consistently enforces compliance and punishes non-performing officers. Nyika Institute executive director Moses Mkandawire said regular reporting will help the President to track progress, identify challenges early and ensure alignment with national priority. “The government should strengthen performance audits, periodic evaluations and impose sanctions for non-compliant MDAs. Those meeting targets should be rewarded or recognised while those lagging should be supported,” he said. Mkandawire also proposed quarterly public engagements to update the nation on key achievements and challenges, if any, in the implementation of national programmes. Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences governance specialist Andrew Kaponya described the directive as a good governance tool that promotes accountability and stressed that failure to comply should attract punitive measures. Governance and political analyst George Chaima echoed the call for tough action, stating that the directive is a good step towards improving productivity and efficiency in the public sector. On his part, Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency executive director Willy Kambwandira said the initiative’s success depends on consistent enforcement and genuine political commitment to act on findings and recommendations of the reports. During the swearing-in of some Cabinet ministers in Blantyre on October 21, the President ordered them to submit reports and warned that he will not hesitate to fire underperforming ministers. Communication from Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi dated October 28 directed all controlling officers and heads of departments to ensure the reports are prepared and submitted through his office no later than the 8th of every month. In the reports, the controlling officers are expected to outline tangible progress and challenges encountered in implementing programmes aligned with the national vision. The President also reiterated his call for delivery during the State Opening of the 52nd Session of Parliament in Lilongwe on October 31. He lamented the collapse of service delivery across various sectors, saying Malawians are struggling to access basic services.
