Malawian artists have officially expressed their concerns to the office of the Ombudsman, over alleged abuse of Copyright Fund grants by the Copyright Society of Malawi (COSOMA).
According to Nation Publications, Ombudsman Grace Malera confirmed to them that her office has received the petition.
The artists are questioning why Cosoma Board chairperson Bishop Chimwemwe Mhango and board members Wendy Harawa and Deborah Ntopa are part of this year’s grant beneficiaries — a move artists say breaches the Ombudsman Act due to conflict of interest and unfair decision-making.
According to the artists, the board and Copyright Fund Committee awarded funds to themselves and their companies while leaving out eligible applicants without proper communication. They are demanding the immediate return of the funds.
What’s Next?
Well, according the article, the office of the Ombudsman will begin screening the petitions to decide whether to launch a full investigation.
