Jooma, Mwalwanda sworn-in: Malawi Pres. Banda urges them to be sacrificers
Newly appointed Minister of Economic Planning and Development, Ralph Jooma and Deputy Minister of Finance Dr Cornelius Mwalwanda were on Tuesday sworn in at a ceremony that took place at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.
Speaking after administering oath, President Joyce Banda advised the two to work with the rest of the cabinet as a team and be “sacrificers” in the wake of austerity drive for them to serve Malawians for the better.
President Banda said Malawians expect “nothing short of diligence, commitment, dedication and even personal sacrifice from you.”
She said: “My advice to you is put Malawi and the people of Malawi first in the course of your work and above your 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 that those of us in positions of authority cannot afford to ignore.”
The President told the two to be people’s servants.
The president also reminded the ministers to also focus on the implementation of the Economic Recovery Plan which she described to be the only way that would help the country from the economic mess it is facing.
“As you are aware my government is implementing the Economic Recovery Programme. This is a recovery programme that seeks to resuscitate our economy by creating enabling economic systems and structures that will spur economic growth and development.
“The ministries of Economic Planning and Finance are the hub of this programme in all respect. Therefore the two of you, Minister and Deputy Minister, become two of the key players in the implementation and success of the ERP and the whole economic recovery process,” said Banda.
Jooma was appointed to replace Goodall Gondwe who resigned after being charged with treason.
He has since promised to help President Banda as she tries to improve the economic growth of the country, saying the recovery plan has already started yielding results.
Jooma said his task is to help government reduce the inflation rates, create the economic atmosphere that would make many people enjoy and ensure that jobs are created to absorb the larger population that is unemployed.
The Minister and Deputy Minister were accompanied by respective family members.
