Disclose Donors Who Paid Ministers Debts – ACA

The Alliance for Community Action (ACA) has expressed its deep concern regarding the non-closure of the well-wishers who have reportedly settled debts owed by former ministers and officials in relation to their illegal stay in office ahead of the 2016 elections. 

Concern has been raised following reports that the General Secretary of the Patriotic Front had stated that the debts owed by active members of the party had been settled through donations made by companies and individuals. The partial settlement was subsequently confirmed by Accountant General Mr Kennedy Musonda, who revealed that 2.6 million Kwacha had been paid through bulk deposits, with just over 29 thousand Kwacha outstanding. 

Commenting on the matter the ACA pointed to concerns that “such donors could be individuals and corporate entities with beneficial relationships with state institutions.” 

“The Accountant General and Secretary to the Treasury owe the Zambian people a duty to disclose the source of all such monies paid on behalf of the ministers,” the ACA has stated. 

“Lack of disclosure on the part of the above-mentioned public officers will do little to allay concerns of money laundering and false declarations. At the very least, the full disclosure of the minister’s benefactors must be made to the honourable court which made the ruling on behalf of the People.” 

“Further, we note that banking practice requires depositors to declare their sources of income when making deposits with financial institutions. It is important for the citizens of Zambia to know the sources of the money paid to ensure that it can be traced, and the owners have prior or after making such deposits, paid taxes and other statutory obligations that may be chargeable on the amounts paid,” the statement reads. 

The ACA stated that it is in the public interests that the donors are known and that it is important for them to be disclosed in the interests of transparency and so that they can be cleared of wrongdoing.