US$800K Scrap Sold for US$5,600 in Bong

Bong County's Fiscal Affairs Superintendent, Paul A. Sulonteh, has raised alarm over what he termed as an illegal sale of over a hundred tons of scraps given to the county by ArcelorMittal Liberia. He puts the value of the scraps at approximately US$800,000.

Sulonteh, in a radio interview in Gbarnga on Wednesday, April 24, accused Gbarnga businessman Ansu Saysay of illegally purchasing scraps. He alleged that local officials, including outgoing Superintendent Esther Yamah Walker, were involved in the illegal sale to Saysay for a mere US$5,600.

As the legitimate financial officer of the county, Sulonteh indicated that he and outgoing Bong County Development Superintendent, Solomane Swaray, and County Inspector, Moses Stubberfield, were not informed about the sale of the scraps—a move that was allegedly taken unilaterally by outgoing Superintendent Walker.

He expressed displeasure at not being informed about the transaction, labeling it "broad-day looting."

“Whenever Saysay is engaged in the matter, he usually threatens the lives of people who want to challenge him on his dubious purchase,” Sulonteh said. “It is sad that this controversial businessman is going on the rampage, threatening local citizens of losing their lives if they continue to inquire about the dubious scrap purchasing in the county.”

In response, Ansu Saysay admitted to purchasing 114 tons of scrap for USD 5,600 from leaders in Kokoyah district, denying any illegal activities.

He criticized Sulonteh's allegations, terming them damaging to his reputation, and threatened legal action.

“Sulonteh's allegation against me that I illegally purchased the scraps is false and misleading. I bought the scraps legally from leaders of the Kokoyah district and the county,” Saysay said. “This allegation is only intended to damage my hard-earned character and that of my business entity.” 

Superintendent Walker refuted any involvement in the sale and maintained that the money was deposited into the county account without specifying the amount.

“If Sulonteh believes that I’m involved in an illegal sale of the ArcelorMittal scraps, he should take me to court,” Walker said. “Mr. Saysay bought scraps, and the money was deposited in the county account.” 

She indicated further that ArcelorMittal Liberia was aware of the sale and does have documentation of the purchase.

Outgoing Inspector Moses Stubblefield confirmed receiving money from Saysay but stated it was intended to resolve disputes between Sulonteh and Saysay.

Stubblefield indicated that the money in question, L$75,000, was intended to quiet down Sulonteh, who was constantly attacking the businessman on the scraps issue.

“This dispute settlement initiative was done through the efforts of some local and former leaders like William Kollie, former Inspector and Regional Culture Inspector, and the outgoing Development Superintendent, Solomane Swaray,” he said. “When I took the money to Solunteh, she refused the money, and I took the money back to Saysay, who told me to take the money for myself.”

Former Development Superintendent Solomane Swaray claimed involvement in negotiations for the scraps' purchase and accused Saysay of swindling the county residents in the transaction.

“I was involved in the negotiation for the right thing to be done, regarding the purchase of the scraps,” Swaray said. 

He further alleged that Ansu Saysay allegedly duped the people of Bong County in the purchase of the Kokoyah scraps.