IPNEWS: Months of investigation by the authoritative Independent Probe newspaper on the business dealings of Ms. Angelia List, a Ghana businesswoman – an alleged mafia, has revealed continuous new heartbreaking trends.
Recently, IPNEWS reported how Angelia List masterminded the abrupt cancelation of the International Company Bureau Veritas, (BIVAC), longtime operations in Liberia for pre-shipment inspection and Destination inspection, and brought into Liberia the MEDTECH Scientific Ltd, based in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, a sole medical company, to manage the pre-shipment and post-shipment operations at the Freeport of Monrovia and other points.
Sources within the group have hinted IPNEWS that MEDTECH Scientific Ltd, now MEDTECH Scientific Liberia Ltd., does not have the technical capacity to manage Liberia’s international pre-inspection of shipment for which the George Weah-led Administration awarded a 10-year contract, knocking out long-time pre-inspection specialist, BIVAC, and is now only conducting destination inspection without modern logistics and port scanning equipment.
Under this same MEDTECH Scientific Ltd, now MEDTECH Scientific Liberia Ltd, 100 million dollars value of drugs (Cocaine) landed and departed the Freeport of Monrovia without a trace.
Amidst this unwholesome act, Angelia List among other things is once more digging deep into Liberia’s extractive industry, and this time Grand Bassa County.
Now, the authoritative Independent Probe newspaper has uncovered how Angelia List (‘Ghanaian Mafia’) and cohort with her Ghanaian counterpart Sam Jonah obtained BHP Billiton Concession through a ‘deception and bribery scam’ at the detriment of the Bassa, Bong, and Nimba peoples, including Liberia in general.
The investigation detailed how Cavalla Resources under the watchful eyes of Angelia List with senior government officials failed, refused, and neglected 2.3 million obligations to Liberia for an unbreakable seven years in royalties.
Experts tell IPNEWS that social responsibility works as a platform for companies and their host communities alike to make a positive impact on the local scene to increase community engagement and loyalty. Therefore, firms involved in the extraction of natural resources sign what is known as the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) which state exactly how and what they are to contribute to the advancement of their affected communities.
BHP Billiton signed a concession agreement with the Liberia Government in March 2010 with exploration carried out in three Counties-Grand Bassa County, Bong County, and Nimba Counties.
Under the Mineral Development Agreement (MDA), BHP Billiton paid U$200,000 in cash as social development funds and scholarship contributions for students attending secondary high schools, colleges, and universities.
This happened from the 2010 – 2011 fiscal period to the 2014 – 2015 fiscal period.
Cavalla Resources Limited took over from BHP Billiton in November 2015 as Jonah Capital’s exclusive iron ore holding over four areas- Goe Fantra, Kitoma, St. John River South, and Toto under the leadership of CEO Saba Jomah.
Liabilities associated with BHP Billiton per year as stated in the MDA is a Scholarship Social Development Funding of $200,000 per annual.
Regrettably, Cavalla Resources Limited sold stock to BCM Limited owned and operated by the Ghanaian mafia Angelia List between 2017 – 2018 with transferred liabilities starting from 2015- 2022.
Despite inheriting this transferred liability, Angelia List-BCM Limited has failed to pay a cent in fulfillment of its obligation under this transfer of liability even in the face of communications and in-person engagements.
Authorities in Grand Bassa County have grown increasingly frustrated as the management of BMC has repeatedly failed to honor invitations for discussion.
A communication obtained by this paper shows that the county has written the London headquarters of Cavalla Resources to express disappointment in the refusal to comply with the terms and conditions of the Mineral Development Agreement.
In a letter dated September 21, 2022, obtained by the authoritative Independent Probe Grand Bassa Legislative Caucus Chairman Hans Barchue said he was particularly interested in the concession area of Cavalla Resources falling within the Goe Fantro area in Grand Bassa County.
“We wish to indicate our disappointment in the absolute neglect of Cavalla’s obligations towards the Fantro concession since taking over operations from BHP Billiton”.
Rep Barchue said under the MDA Cavalla is required to annual social contributions already set out and warned that the company cannot claim ignorance of such payment required to undertake critical development programs for the community.
“However, since you took over the MDA from BHP Billiton you have failed, refused and neglected to honor any of the obligations under the MDA. You currently owe Three Million Two Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US$3,200,000) representing both Social Development and Scholarship for the period 2015 = 2022, which you are required to pay but have failed to do since you took over the mines”
Representative Barchue accused the management of disposing of all or most of the heavy equipment that was left in its custody by BHP Billiton without any reference to the County Authorities.
He said the company has father failed to even show any evidence that it paid the required taxes to the Liberian Government for selling heavy-duty equipment left behind by Billiton.
“We are hereby notifying you that we are convinced that you have no intention of honoring your obligations under the MA and we will be petitioning the Government and all necessary
Legislative Bodies to review your performance under the MDA and assess whether your continuous involvement serves the interests of Liberian people” he added
The letter also warned: “We will also be tabling a parliamentary motion to debate this issue and possibly to pass a vote on your performance and possible termination.”
According to the Bassa Legislative Caucus Chairman, the county’s leadership is sacking legal advice on all available rights available in ensuring that any accrued benefits are “paid to us including any accrued interests”
“We frown on the attitude of any investors who acquires an operational license to operate the Mines, and without any investment into the operations of the Mines, puts out a bid to other companies only to take profits at the detriment of the people in the concession area” he concluded.
A visit to the operational site of the Cavalla Resources Grand Bassa County showed the disappearance of heavy-duty machines left behind by BHP Billiton.
A contractor who asked not to be named said the community has not benefited anything from Cavalla Resources and its management has shown a complete lack of interest in Community development.
The sources confirmed that nearly all the equipment at the mine has been sold to other companies by the manager Fidel Jonah. Watch out for Part Three. For more into this and many more, log onto www. Independentprobe.com
