By Patrick Namo Tokpah
(contributor Bong)
The Fiscal Affairs Superintendent of Kokoyah District in Bong County, Paul A. Sulonteh, is accusing Gbarnga Businessman, Ansu Saysay of illegally or dubiously purchasing scraps given to the county by ArcelorMittal Liberia.
ArcelorMittal is the world’s leading steel and mining company, with a presence in 60 countries and primary steelmaking facilities in 16 countries.
According to Mr. Sulonteh, the scrap worth a little over USD 800,000 have been illegally purchased by the businessman.
He alleged that the illegal sale of the scraps is being masterminded by some local officials of Bong County including Superintendent Esther Yamah Walker.
The Bong County Fiscal Affairs Superintendent further told the citizens in a radio interview that the scraps were sold to Mr. Saysay for USD 5,600.
Moreover, Mr. Sulonteh alleged that he as a legitimate financial officer of the county including Bong County Development Superintendent, Solomane Swaray and the County Inspector Moses Stubberfield were not informed about the illegal sale of the scraps; thereby describing Superintendent Walker and others’ actions as ‘broad-day looting’.
Meanwhile, the Bong County Fiscal Affairs Superintendent alleged that whenever Mr. Saysay is engaged in the county on the matter of scrap, he usually threatens the lives of people who intend to intervene in his alleged dubious scrap deal.
He made specific reference to Kokayah District Statutory Superintendent, Conteh Yallah who he said was threatened by Saysay of dismissal if he (Yallah) continues to engage him on scrap issues.
He further alleged that the controversial Businessman has gone on a rampage threatening local citizens of losing their lives if they continue to inquire about the dubious scrap-purchasing in the county.
When contacted by the Gbarnga Businessman, Ansu Saysay admitted to purchasing 114 tons of scraps for USD 5,600 and described Mr. Sulonteh’s allegation of illegally purchasing the scraps as false and misleading; adding that the scraps were legally purchased from leaders of the Kokoyah District and the county.
According to him, the allegation levied against him by the County Fiscal Affairs Superintendent is only intended to damage his hard-earned character and his business entity.
Meanwhile, the Gbarnga Businessman has vowed to file a lawsuit or court action against the Bong County Fiscal Affairs Superintendent for bringing his dear reputation to public ridicule.
For her part, Bong County Superintendent Esther Walker said if Superintendent Paul A. Sulonteh believes that she is involved in the alleged sale of the ArcelorMittal scraps, then he (Sulonteh) should take her (Walker) to court.
