Angela List has emerged as a divisive figure in West Africa, particularly in Liberia and Ghana, where her business dealings, political affiliations, and legal predicaments have raised serious concerns regarding governance, corruption, and foreign investment.
Her reputation has become synonymous with a toxic blend of manipulation, political malfeasance, and economic disruption, leaving a lasting impact on the affected countries.
List’s engagement in business ventures, alongside her deep connections to corrupt political leaders such as Liberia’s Nathaniel McGill and Bill Twehway, has sparked a maelstrom of controversy. From undermining Liberia’s financial stability to partaking in fraudulent activities that transcend borders, List’s pernicious influence extends well beyond national boundaries. Her association with her father, Dan Abodakpi, a former Ghanaian politician convicted of fraud, further entangles her in a web of corruption.
This article delves into the pernicious influence of Angela List, scrutinizing how her actions have impeded the advancement of Liberia and Ghana, fostered corruption, and impeded foreign investment in these nations.
Revealing Ties: Angela List’s Connections to Liberia’s Corrupt Officials
Angela List’s ascension to prominence in Liberia is intricately linked to her relationships with two pivotal figures: Nathaniel McGill, the former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, and Bill Twehway, the former Managing Director of the National Port Authority. Both individuals have faced sanctions from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for corruption, specifically for engaging in bribery, misappropriating public funds, and manipulating public procurement processes for personal gain.
The U.S. Treasury has accused McGill of diverting state resources for personal enrichment, engaging in bribery, and skewing business contracts to favor his associates. Twehway is similarly implicated in the misappropriation of public funds, including siphoning over $1.5 million into private accounts. Angela List has been implicated in several of these schemes, leveraging her connections with McGill and Twehway to secure lucrative contracts in Liberia and advance her personal business interests.
Undermining Liberia’s Economic Reforms and Institutional Integrity
The detrimental synergy between List and Liberia’s corrupt political elite has had sweeping repercussions, particularly in the realm of economic progress. Liberia has historically relied on foreign aid, with international donors such as USAID and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) contributing nearly 40% of the country’s budget. These donors have advocated for reforms aimed at establishing independent, revenue-generating institutions that are immune to political interference, crucial for Liberia’s transition towards financial autonomy and sustainable development.
However, List has played a disruptive role in these initiatives. Her involvement in subverting efforts to institute transparent institutions, notably through her manipulation of key government figures like McGill, has directly thwarted Liberia’s capacity to build a more stable and accountable financial framework. Her actions have perpetuated an environment ripe for corruption, dissuading legitimate investors from entering the Liberian market.
For instance, in 2021, List obtained a mining concession in Grand Bassa County, pledging to extract and process iron ore tailings. Despite government expectations, List failed to fulfill her commitments, resulting in the revocation of her concession. This failure not only undermined Liberia’s economic interests but also underscored her proclivity to exploit her political connections to secure contracts without delivering tangible outcomes. Regrettably, some Liberian politicians continue to support her, raising serious concerns about the integrity of these individuals and their rationale for endorsing such a controversial figure.
Liberia’s Struggle with Corruption and Its Impact on Foreign Investment
Liberia’s battle against corruption represents a significant stumbling block in its development. Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) ranked Liberia 145th out of 180 nations, underscoring how deeply entrenched corruption is within the country
