PF MEDIA DIRECTORATE RAISES ALARM OVER AUDITOR GENERAL’S WITHHOLDING OF ZAMMSA REPORT

PF MEDIA DIRECTORATE RAISES ALARM OVER AUDITOR GENERAL’S WITHHOLDING OF ZAMMSA REPORT The Patriotic Front (PF) Media Directorate wishes to express its deepest concern over credible media reports suggesting that the Office of the Auditor General intends to withhold from the public the audit report on the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA). This decision is not only alarming but severely undermines the fundamental tenets of transparency, accountability, and good governance that the Zambian people have been promised by the current UPND administration. The ZAMMSA audit report is of profound public interest, particularly following revelations by United States Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency Michael Gonzalez, who openly cited growing corruption under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership. These revelations, coming from a key diplomatic ally, cannot and must not be ignored. They echo the concerns Zambians have long harbored about the deteriorating state of accountability under this government. State Capture and Selective Transparency We are deeply troubled that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC)—both key oversight institutions—fall directly under the control of President Hichilema’s office. This arrangement casts serious doubt on the independence of these bodies, and raises the question: who is the Auditor General protecting by withholding this report? Equally concerning is the President’s own pattern of shielding ministers accused of corruption. This repeated pattern of evasion, deflection, and protectionism reflects a government more concerned with image management than with confronting corruption head-on. From Opposition Hope to National Disappointment What is even more disappointing is how President Hichilema—once viewed as a beacon of reform and integrity while in opposition—has now become synonymous with secrecy, elitism, and betrayal of public trust. The Zambian people had placed genuine hope in his leadership, but today, many regard him as the most disconnected and self-serving Head of State in the history of this nation. We challenge President Hichilema to uphold the same democratic values he so eloquently preached while in opposition. This begins by ensuring the immediate and unreserved release of the ZAMMSA audit report. Call to Action The Patriotic Front demands the following: 1.Immediate release of the ZAMMSA audit report to the public, in line with provisions of the Auditor General’s Act and the Access to Information Act. 2. Expedited appointment of a substantive Auditor General, to restore credibility and functional independence to the office. 3. Reform and depoliticization of the ACC and DEC, so they can operate without executive interference. 4. Thorough investigation and public accountability for all named individuals and departments in the ZAMMSA audit findings. This is a defining moment for President Hichilema’s government. The decision to either suppress or release the ZAMMSA audit report will send a clear signal to the people of Zambia—and to the international community—about where this administration truly stands on fighting corruption. The PF Media Directorate remains steadfast in defending the values of accountability, constitutionalism, and justice. We will not remain silent as public institutions are captured, whistleblowers are silenced, and corruption is normalized under the guise of New Dawn governance. The people of Zambia deserve better. Issued by: PF Media Directorate Lusaka, Zambia