AIPAC CALLS FOR REINTRODUCTION OF DEPUTY MINISTERS AND MINISTRY OF CHIEFS AND TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS
AIPAC CALLS FOR REINTRODUCTION OF DEPUTY MINISTERS AND MINISTRY OF CHIEFS AND TRADITIONAL AFFAIRS
The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has called for the urgent reintroduction of Deputy Ministers in Zambia, arguing that their absence has weakened governance and service delivery.
AIPAC Executive Director Solomon Ngoma said the organisation’s research had established that Cabinet Ministers were facing difficulties in effectively addressing the numerous challenges within their respective sectors without deputy ministers..
“Zambia and Kenya remains the only countries in Africa without Deputy Ministers,” Mr. Ngoma said.
He said Zambia had erred by adopting a governance model introduced in Kenya following its 2010 constitutional amendments, stressing that countries should consider their own circumstances when borrowing laws and governance structures.
Mr. Ngoma rejected arguments that Deputy Ministers would impose an unnecessary financial burden on the Treasury, saying such claims were politically motivated and lacked evidence-based support.
“Deputy Ministers are essential in strengthening leadership, improving efficiency, and ensuring that government policies are implemented effectively,” he said.
AIPAC has consequently urged Parliamentarians to table a Bill during the next sitting of Parliament to facilitate the return of Deputy Ministers.
The organisation has also appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema to re-establish the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs, which it considers important in preserving Zambia’s cultural heritage, strengthening traditional leadership and promoting cooperation between government and traditional institutions.
“Traditional leadership plays a critical role in preserving Zambia’s cultural heritage and fostering national unity,” Mr. Ngoma said.
AIPAC further urged the President to promote inclusivity when appointing Cabinet and Provincial Ministers by considering representation from persons with disabilities and the private sector.
“We respectfully urge him to consider appointing at least one person with disabilities and one representative from the private sector,” he said.
The organisation also called for the immediate implementation of a 24-hour economy, saying it would stimulate economic growth, expand business opportunities and create employment for thousands of Zambians.
“We must now focus decisively on job creation,” Mr. Ngoma said.
Mr. Ngoma is today appearing on The Capital Breakfast Show with Esther and Paul on Capital FM 99.7.
“Zambia must embrace measures that will enhance governance, improve service delivery and strengthen our democratic, cultural and economic foundations,” he said.