The Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) recently hosted a training workshop on the Access to Information (ATI) Act for its staff at Mafumu Lodge in Lilongwe, Malawi marking a significant step towards enhancing transparency, accountability, and the public’s right to access vital government information. 

The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Media, Information, and Communication, Hon. Susan Dossi, delivered an impactful address, highlighting the importance of the ATI Act in fostering democratic governance. She commended PPDA for its efforts to train staff on the Access to Information Act, a vital piece of legislation that empowers citizens to access government-held information, with certain exceptions.

In her remarks, Hon. Dossi noted that the ATI Act, which was passed by the Malawi National Assembly in 2016 and enacted in 2020, plays a crucial role in ensuring that government actions are open, transparent, and accountable to the people they serve. She emphasized that it is essential for institutions like PPDA, which are responsible for monitoring and overseeing public procurement, to make information accessible to the public in line with this legislation. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Malawi 2063 Agenda, both of which call for greater transparency in governance and public administration.

“Since government decisions are documented for record purposes, it is only proper that such information is made accessible to the public,” Hon. Dossi stated. “This ensures that government transactions are transparent and accountable to the people.”

Director of Regulatory, Review Monitoring and Compliance  Jonathan Kantayeni, also spoke at the event, underscoring the importance of a culture of openness and responsiveness in the public sector. He emphasized that the ATI Act is not just a legal requirement, but a fundamental principle that supports the rights of citizens to be informed and engaged in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

“We are here today to strengthen our commitment to transparency, accountability, and empowering individuals with the right to access information,” said Kantayeni. “When shared appropriately, information enables citizens to make informed decisions, hold us accountable, and actively participate in governance.”

Kantayeni also reflected on the PPDA's training efforts over the past year, noting that in 2023, the organization focused on training management. The workshop at Mafumu Lodge was a continuation of that commitment, this time extending the training to all staff members. He encouraged everyone to take full advantage of the session, ask questions, and think about how they can apply the principles of the ATI Act in their daily work.

The training workshop provided an opportunity for PPDA staff to deepen their understanding of the key principles and processes of the ATI Act, including how to respond to public requests for information and the importance of maintaining transparency in all organizational activities.

Hon. Dossi expressed hope that PPDA would continue to evolve and improve in its efforts to comply with the ATI Act, including ensuring that the PPDA website contains comprehensive information on the ATI process, including institutional manuals, the Information Officer’s details, and other resources to help the public access the information they need. She stressed the importance of staff being well-versed in ATI procedures to promote transparency and ensure the free flow of information.

In closing, both Hon. Dossi and Director Kantayeni thanked the facilitators for their expertise and support in making the workshop a success. Hon. Dossi officially opened the training session, urging everyone to engage fully with the material and reflect on how they can contribute to a more transparent and accountable PPDA.

“Together, we can create a new PPDA that is fully committed to transparency and the free flow of information,” she concluded.

The workshop marks a key milestone in PPDA’s ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with the ATI and its commitment to fostering an open, accountable, and transparent public sector. With continued training and collaboration, PPDA is poised to set a strong example of good governance, empowering citizens and ensuring that government information is always accessible to those who seek it.