Body demands suspension of Agric Minister, Perm Sec over alleged Tanzania maizegate scandal

The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has called for the immediate suspension of Agriculture Minister, Mtolo Phiri, and his Permanent Secretary, John Mulongoti over allegations surrounding the Tanzania Maizegate scandal, pending investigations.

The call followed reported revelations by United States Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales, who disclosed that Zambia procured maize from Tanzania at 48 percent above the market price.

The Ambassador is also said to have further noted that the US government had donated over US$20 million in aid, which had reportedly not yet reached its intended beneficiaries.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday, AIPAC Executive Director Solomon Ngoma stressed the importance of holding public officials accountable and allowing institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to operate freely and independently in pursuing corruption cases.

“If the allegations made by the Ambassador are true, this scandal warrants a thorough investigation, including the suspension of both the Minister and Permanent Secretary of Agriculture,” Ngoma stated.

He added that government’s silence on the matter was raising more questions than answers.

“We demand immediate action from the government and appeal to the President to suspend both the PS and the Minister of Agriculture,” he said.

Ngoma warned that corruption was crippling Zambia and that this incident underscored the urgent need for robust anti-corruption mechanisms to ensure the effective use of public and donor funds.

“This raises serious concerns about the Ministry of Agriculture’s handling of drought relief funds and the potential erosion of donor confidence,” he said.

Ngoma demanded an immediate explanation from the government on the alleged mismanagement and called for a commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance.

“In situations like this, international partners and donors often re-evaluate their support. Restoring confidence will require transparent and decisive action from the Zambian government,” he said.

He emphasized that independent institutions such as the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) and the ACC should play a crucial role in investigating such cases and ensuring accountability in public service.

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