A rights commission is absolutely roasting local councils for being shady. The Malawi Human Rights Commission called out many councils for opaque operations and poor management of public money. Executive Secretary Habiba Osman stated that these institutions fail to voluntarily publish details about their projects and spending. This lack of transparency violates the Access to Information Act.
Osman explained that the law mandates proactive disclosure from public bodies. Councils must lead in publishing their activities, budgets, and decisions. This openness builds community trust and allows citizens to monitor work. Withholding information can trigger legal consequences under the statute.
Awareness of the act remains low among some officials, hampering compliance. The commission has ramped up sensitization meetings nationwide to address this gap. Officials warned that secrecy undermines accountability and public participation in local governance. The MHRC urged all councils to establish systems for easily accessible public information.
Osman explained that the law mandates proactive disclosure from public bodies. Councils must lead in publishing their activities, budgets, and decisions. This openness builds community trust and allows citizens to monitor work. Withholding information can trigger legal consequences under the statute.
Awareness of the act remains low among some officials, hampering compliance. The commission has ramped up sensitization meetings nationwide to address this gap. Officials warned that secrecy undermines accountability and public participation in local governance. The MHRC urged all councils to establish systems for easily accessible public information.
