Malawian farming minister fired over Zambia maize deal

By Francis Maingaila

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Malawi’s agriculture minister has been sacked over his role in a $34.5 million government maize purchase, a presidential spokesman said Wednesday.

President Peter Mutharika dismissed George Chaponda following an investigation into claims that Malawi paid too much for a maize delivery from neighboring Zambia.

In an emailed statement, spokesman Mgeme Kalilani said the president had “decided to relieve Dr. George Chaponda MP of his responsibilities as minister of agriculture, irrigation and water development. With this development, all matters requiring the attention of the minister of agriculture should be referred to the president.”

Last week, a commission of inquiry recommended criminal sanctions against Chaponda after establishing his involvement in the “corrupt” deal.

Mutharika launched the investigation after Zambian opposition leader Saviour Chishimba said he had seen evidence that Malawi had been charged $345 per tonne for 100,000 tonnes of maize that was worth $215 a tonne.

The deal was struck for Malawi to import maize due to food shortages affecting 6.7 million people caused by drought.