By George Mponda

Karonga, October 2, Mana: The British High Commissioner to Malawi, Fiona Ritchie on Tuesday treated Karonga-based journalists to a dinner held at Kapirimtende Sunrise Beach Resort in the district.

Ritchie hosted the Karonga-based scribes to the dinner after visiting Karonga District Council offices, Karonga Diocese of the Catholic Church Bishop's house, Kayelekera Uranium Mine and Paramount Chief Kyungu's residence earlier in the day.

During the dinner, Ritchie interacted with the Karonga media personnel on several topics ranging from politics, climate change, press freedom, tourism, international relations and the forthcoming general election in 2024.

Adams Wundaninge, Chairperson for Karonga Press Club hailed the visit by the British High Commissioner describing her as a champion of press freedom in Malawi.

"As we are gearing up towards next year’s general election, there is a need to build the capacity of journalists to avoid misinformation and disinformation which seeks to undermine the truth and partners like the British government should step in," Wundaninge said.

He added, “Journalists have a critical role in promoting transparency, democracy and human rights which is why high-profile individuals like the British High Commissioner must be instrumental in ensuring there is press freedom in the country”.