Artists Drag Cosoma to Ombudsman Over Self-Awarded Grants
Published on August 21, 2025 at 11:45 AM by Evance Kapito
A group of artists in Malawi has petitioned the Office of the Ombudsman over the allocation of grants by the Copyright Fund Committee, citing alleged abuse of power and conflict of interest.
The petition follows the inclusion of Copyright Society of Malawi (Cosoma) Board chairperson Bishop Chimwemwe Mhango, and board members Wendy Harawa and Deborah Ntopa on the list of copyright fund beneficiaries.
In the petition, artists argue that their complaint is in line with Section 7(1) of the Ombudsman Act (Chapter 3:07), highlighting alleged abuse of power, conflict of interest, and unfair treatment in the administration of the fund.
The artists have asked the Ombudsman to investigate the decision-making process of the Cosoma Board and Copyright Fund Committee, and to demand the return of funds allocated to board members and their companies.
Reads part of the petition: “These actions amount to abuse of power by awarding grants to decision-makers themselves, unfair treatment of eligible applicants who were excluded without due process or communication, unreasonable, unjust, and inequitable decision-making under Section 5(2)(a) & (b).”
In an interview, Ombudsman Grace Malera confirmed receiving the petition and said her office will soon begin assessing the complaint.
“The complaint will undergo a screening process to assess its admissibility before the Office of the Ombudsman,” said Malera.
NPL
