The Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has expressed concern over what it describes as a lack of transparency among many local councils, particularly in the performance of their duties and the management of public funds.
MHRC Executive Secretary Habiba Osman said several councils are failing to openly share information on their operations, development projects, and use of public resources, a situation she warned undermines accountability and good governance.
Osman explained that the Access to Information (ATI) Act gives citizens the right to access information held by public institutions, including councils. However, she stressed that the law also requires institutions to proactively disclose information, not only respond to requests.
“Councils are legally required to take the lead in publishing information about their activities, decisions, budgets, and expenditures,” Osman said.
She noted that openness helps build public trust, reduces suspicion, and promotes citizen participation in local governance. When councils are transparent, communities are better able to monitor projects and hold officials accountable.
Osman added that limited awareness of the ATI Act among some council officials remains a challenge, leading to poor compliance. To address this, MHRC has intensified sensitisation meetings with councils across the country.
She further warned that failure to comply with the ATI Act may result in legal consequences, as the law provides enforcement mechanisms for unjustified withholding of information.
MHRC has therefore urged all local councils to embrace transparency and put in place systems that make information easily accessible to the public, in line with the Access to Information Act.
