Malawi’s new Minister of Economic Planning and Development (EP & D) Ralph Jooma and Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. Cornelius Mwalwanda were sworn in at Kamuzu Palace in the capital, Lilongwe on Tuesday at a ceremony witnessed by President Joyce Banda.
Jooma, who was deputy Minister of Finance, replaces Goodall Gondwe. Gondwe resigned after his arrest last month in connection with treason charges.
Mwalwanda also served as deputy Minister of Finance in the Bingu wa Mutharika administration.
Banda wished the two well in their respective capacities. The EP & D and Finance are the hub of the Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) and the two become key players in the implementation and success of the plan and the whole economic recovery process.
“The oaths of office, allegiance and secrecy that you have taken are a commitment that you have made not only to me as Head of State but to the people of Malawi who have placed us here.
“Above all, the oaths of office, allegiance and secrecy that you have taken are a commitment to the Almighty God who, in his favour, gave us this great country and made us a great nation,” said the President.
She advised them to put Malawi and its people above their individual interests.
“This may look to be an ordinary simple piece of advice but if you seriously reflect on it, you come to realise that this is a powerful and most noble piece advice of that those of us in positions of authority cannot afford to ignore.
“Remember in this job you serve the country. We are servants of the people and not the other way round. Therefore the people of Malawi expect nothing short of diligence, commitment, dedication and even personal sacrifice from you,” she said.
She added that government is implementing the ERP to resuscitate the economy by creating enabling.
