The Founder of B-BOVID Limited, Issa Ouedraogo, has petitioned the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) to support an independent forensic investigation into allegations of irregularities in a dispute with European social impact investor Moringa.
In the petition, Ouedraogo appeals for GNCCI’s backing to facilitate a comprehensive probe into the Moringa-B-BOVID affair, citing concerns about investor relations, fairness, and protection of local entrepreneurs.
Mr. Ouedraogo, a former GNCCI Western Regional Chairperson, says he invested in agriculture and climate-smart farming through B-BOVID, but Moringa allegedly attempted to take control of the business after presenting itself as a development partner. He alleges breach of trust, reputational damage, and harassment through legal actions, and claims state institutions may have been improperly involved.
The B-BOVID founder questions the arbitration process, citing irregularities and an unjust outcome. He alleges discussions about selling or liquidating B-BOVID took place during ongoing arbitration and that the company was used to secure a grant from the African Development Bank amidst the dispute. Ouedraogo suggests high-level state institutions may have been involved, raising concerns about Ghana’s investment climate.
Mr. Ouedraogo urges GNCCI to support an independent review of contracts, transactions, and communications, and appeals to national authorities to investigate transparently and protect local entrepreneurs’ rights. He emphasizes the need for mutual respect, fairness, and integrity in foreign partnerships. “My case is not only about me; it’s about how Ghana treats its entrepreneurs in relationships with powerful foreign investors,” he said, adding that Ghana must welcome foreign investment while protecting local businesses.
The businessman is therefore urging the GNCCI to support calls for an independent forensic review of contracts, transactions, and communications related to the dispute, as well as an impartial examination of the arbitration process and any potential misuse of state institutions. He further appealed to national authorities, including the Presidency, the Attorney-General and the Chief Justice, to ensure that the matter is investigated transparently and that the rights of local entrepreneurs are protected. Mr. Ouedraogo emphasized that the issue goes beyond a personal business dispute. “My case, in my view, is not only about me as an individual; it is also about how Ghana treats its own entrepreneurs in relationships with powerful foreign investors,” he said. He added that while Ghana welcomes foreign direct investment, such partnerships must be based on mutual respect, fairness and integrity.
Statement
REQUEST FOR SUPPORT AND FORMAL BACKING FOR AN INDEPENDENT FORENSIC VERIFICATION AND FULL INVESTIGATION INTO THE MORINGA–B-BOVID AFFAIR
Background
My name is Issa Ouedraogo. I am the founder and shareholder of B-BOVID Limited. After serving as Network Manager for the African Development Bank, IT Consultant for Deutsche Telekom, IT Advisor for Saudi Telecom, and IT Director at the National Development Commission, I returned to Ghana to promote agriculture, implement climate-smart practices, and advance food security across the country and the continent.
Throughout my career I have received several awards, including Overall District and National Oil Palm Farmer (2006 & 2008), recognition twice as Overall Best Farmer in the Western Region (2012 & 2017), Overall Businessman of the Year, and Innovation Agribusiness of the Year (2016) by the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce. I have also been acknowledged by the United Nations as a Global Changemaker and had the honor of meeting the late Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
The Issue
I was approached by a French company named Moringa, which presented itself as a social-impact investor backed by prestigious organizations and banks, including Edmond de Rothschild, ONF International, CIRAD, FMO, PROPARCO, GEF, CFC, AfDB, FINNFUND and AECID. They proposed to invest in B-BOVID and help advance its mission. In reality, their intention was to take control of the company. They represented themselves as social activists but acted as equity investors. Had they disclosed their true position from the outset, I would have acted differently.
I write as Issa Ouedraogo, founder of B-BOVID (Building Business on Values, Integrity and Dignity) and former Western Regional Chairperson of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce & Industry, to respectfully seek the Chamber’s support for my call for an independent forensic verification and full investigation into matters involving Moringa and B-BOVID.
Summary of My Key Allegations and Concerns
- Breach of Trust and Exploitation of the Partnership
I allege that Moringa approached me and B-BOVID as a social impact investor, completed its own due diligence and entered into an investment agreement, but later breached my trust and exploited the relationship, leading to attempts to deprive me of my company, my investment and my livelihood. - False Narratives and Damage to Reputation
I allege that Moringa and/or its advisers spread false and misleading narratives about me and B-BOVID, including information circulated through the media, which in my view seriously damaged my personal and professional reputation. - Harassing and Meritless Legal Actions
I allege that I have been subjected to multiple legal actions and processes that I consider meritless and harassing. - Use of State Machinery and Attempts to Criminalize Me
I allege that state institutions were used or influenced in ways that led to attempts to imprison me on what I believe were staged and fabricated stories. - Concerns with the Arbitration Process and Award
I allege that the arbitration process concerning ownership and control of B-BOVID showed bias and irregularities and resulted in serious injustice. - Pattern of Deceit, Misrepresentation and Inconsistency
I maintain that documentary evidence shows a pattern of misrepresentation and inconsistency in the claims made against me. - Use of B-BOVID in Questionable Transactions
I allege that meetings were held to discuss liquidation or sale of B-BOVID while ownership was still under arbitration. - Involvement of High Offices and Institutions
I allege that elements within state institutions and offices—including parts of the Presidency and the Judiciary—were instrumentalized in ways that furthered these injustices.
Request to the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce & Industry
I respectfully request that GNCCI:
- Acknowledge my contributions as Western Regional Chairperson.
- Support my call for an independent forensic verification and full investigation into the Moringa–B-BOVID matter.
- Encourage national authorities to ensure a transparent investigation that protects the rights of local entrepreneurs and preserves Ghana’s investment reputation.
Conclusion
My case is not only about me as an individual; it is also about how Ghana treats its own entrepreneurs in relationships with powerful foreign investors.
Ghana welcomes foreign direct investment, but it must be grounded in integrity, mutual respect and equitable partnership.
Respectfully,
Issa Ouedraogo
Former Western Regional Chairperson
Ghana National Chamber of Commerce & Industry – Western Region.