Gaddafi’s U.S.$30 Million Project Faces Court Action

New Democrat (Monrovia)

Boimah J. V. Boimah

31 May 2011

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf announced weeks ago that one of embattled Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi’s projects here, the US30m agriculture project in Foya, Lofa County, has crumbled and is in need of a new donor.

But the man placed in charge of concessions review at the House of Representatives, Rep. Edwin Snowe, has other ideas.

In an interview with this paper Monday, Mr. Snowe said he intends to drag management of the project, known as ADA/LAP, to the Justice Ministry, for failing.

Mr. Snowe said he would question managers of the Foundation for Africa Development Aid/ Libya-Africa Investment Portfolio (ADA/LAP) for alleged mismanagement and untimely closure.

“We are going to go after them (the management team). That company is key on our list,” said Rep. Snowe, chairman, house committee on concessions review.

He said ADA/LAP is among the first companies his committee has spotted for immediate action.

He said if the company’s collapse were due to financial malpractices, its management would be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution.

Mr. Snowe: “If it is proven that there was misappropriation…there was financial malfunction, they (management team) are going to be called to book. We will pursue them through the Ministry of Justice to ensure their prosecution,” he insisted.

Contact with the company’s management for comment failed as their Congo town office was shut throughout.

ADA/LAP started operating in 2008 after its concession agreement with Libya was ratified under the LAP program to do mechanized rice farming.

The concession agreement culled from the company’s official site indicates it had a “declaration” of 20 years to cultivate 15,000 hectares of land allocated by the Liberian government, and 3,000 hectares out-grower facilities to be identified in two counties – Lofa (Agrimenco site in Foya District) and elsewhere.

The agreement may be ratified within 5 years prior to its expiry.

Its primary objective was to engage in agricultural development activity that would enhance the socio-economic, cultural life of Liberians, as well as boost local rice production in the country at a reduced cost.

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