The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) says ensuring transparent and accountable implementation of the reformed Constituency Development Fund (CDF) will remain a far-fetched dream if communities are deprived of their right to access information by local council authorities.
MHRC Executive Secretary, Habiba Osman, said this in Mponela, Dowa District, during a two-day media orientation on the Access to Information Act.
Osman said many communities remain unaware of how their local councils operate due to a lack of accessible information, a situation that weakens their participation in development processes.
“Many people do not understand how their communities or councils are operating. Without adequate information on how government programmes such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) are being implemented, communities face challenges in benefiting from them,” she added.
Osman further called on journalists to take a leading role in informing citizens about their rights and ensuring that information reaches all communities. “I urge you to be a tool in helping people understand their rights,” she emphasized.
Meanwhile, Deputy Director in the Ministry of Information, Mgeme Kalilani said beyond granting access to information, there is an urgent need to ensure the safety and protection of journalists, information seekers, and whistleblowers. He noted that these groups often face risks while exposing sensitive issues, even though the media remains key in promoting transparency and accountability by highlighting both progress and wrongdoing.
“Journalists have the ability to safeguard and expose how development activities are being carried out, but we also need to protect their rights,” said Kalilani.
He also stressed the need for journalists to uphold professional ethics, including accuracy, balance, and fairness in their reporting.
“Journalists should maintain ethical standards in reporting to avoid misleading and harming people,” he added.
One of the participants, Isaac Grant from Bembeke FM, described the training as timely and impactful, noting that it has equipped them with essential skills to improve their reporting and contribute to accountability through the use of the Access to Information Act.
“This is a productive training, and we have gained a lot of knowledge and skills that will help us in our daily duties using the Access to Information Act,” said Grant.
The training was supported by UNESCO under the project “Promotion of Transparency and Accountability in Public Service Delivery by the Media in Malawi.”
By Lameck Dimiton Gift and Tawina Kuluweya
#KCRnews
#Yourpartnerindevelopment
