A recent investigation by this newspaper has revealed that the Anita Group of Companies, owned by Madam Nora Finda Bundoo, is legally registered in Liberia and maintains full compliance with tax regulations, contrary to claims made in ongoing government indictments.
According to documents reviewed during the probe, the company holds a valid business certificate, has met all statutory requirements, and received a 2024/2025 tax clearance, confirming its good standing with the Liberia Revenue Authority.
Government-Backed Contract at the Heart of Controversy
The review also uncovered a May 2022 Rice Supply Framework Agreement between the Anita Group and the Ministry of National Defense, represented at the time by then Defense Minister Daniel D. Ziankahn Jr.
The agreement—endorsed by the Ministries of Finance and Justice and notarized by the Office of the Notary Public of Montserrado County—authorized the supply of over 64,000 bags of long-grain milled rice valued in the millions of U.S. dollars.
The official documentation, a copy of which was obtained during the investigation, appears to challenge allegations that the transaction was illegal.
“This official documentation challenges the claims that the deal was illegal, as it was sanctioned by the government itself,” the summary of findings reads.
Government Issues Indictment Despite Compliance
Despite these records, the Liberian government—through its Asset Recovery Taskforce—recently issued indictments against Bundoo, who previously served as Chief of Protocol to former President George M. Weah.
The charges allege involvement in unlawful business dealings even though her company appears to have met all legal and procedural requirements at the time of the transaction.
Civil Society Groups Decry ‘Political Persecution’
One Unity Liberia (OUL), a civil society organization, condemned the indictment as “politically motivated, malicious, and concocted.” The group claims the government is using state power to intimidate or weaken political rivals.
OUL argues that the charges distract from pressing national concerns—including corruption, inflation, and economic stagnation—while unfairly targeting individuals linked to the previous administration.
“This is selective justice. The intent is to weaken opposition voices, not to ensure accountability,” the group asserted.
Opposition Reacts: ‘Selective Justice’
The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and several allied advocacy groups have also criticized the indictment, calling it a clear case of political targeting.
They argue that Bundoo, as both an influential political figure and a successful businesswoman, is being singled out because of her role in the Weah administration and her continued influence within the opposition.
Several critics insist that if wrongdoing occurred, accountability should extend to government officials who approved, signed, and endorsed the contract, rather than placing the burden solely on the vendor.
Growing Concerns Over Governance and Political Climate
As tensions rise, civil society organizations warn that actions perceived as politically motivated could deepen national divisions and undermine confidence in Liberia’s justice system.
For now, the legitimacy of Anita Group’s business operations—bolstered by government-issued certifications and documented contract approvals—raises further questions about the basis of the charges and whether the case is rooted in law or politics.
