President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has, effective immediately, suspended Emma Metieh-Glassco, Director General of the National Fishery and Aquaculture Authority (NAFAA), as recommended by the NAFAA Board of Directors pending further investigation by the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
In a communication to Glassco, the President outlined the Board’s resolution, which calls for her suspension due to managerial and financial inefficiencies. This recommendation is in accordance with Section 3.9.2 of the Act that established the authority.
Furthermore, the President also referenced a communication from the office of the Ombudsman, which recommended Glassco’s suspension and investigation based on the allegation of insulting behavior. This conduct, considered unbecoming of a public official, was reportedly exhibited during an official investigation meeting. The Ombudsman’s recommendation is based on Section 11.10 of the Code of Conduct Act.
President Boakai has urged the suspended Director General to fully cooperate with the investigation in order to address the concerns raised.
Meanwhile, The National Fishery and Aquaculture Authority Workers Association (NaFAAWA) has extended their sincere gratitude to His Excellency President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr. for his decisive action in suspending Emma Metieh Glassco, the Director General of the National Fishery and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA). “This bold step underscores the government’s commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership in the governance sector of Liberia,” the workers’ association observed in a press release.
“The decision to suspend the Director General follows serious allegations of corruption and unprofessional conduct, including insulting behavior. Such actions are unacceptable and undermine the integrity of an institution responsible for the sustainable management of the fisheries industry of Liberia,” the association maintained.
It can be recalled that the National Fishery and Aquaculture Authority Workers Association (NaFAAWA) on May 2, 2024, issued a “vote of no confidence” in DG Glassco for being dictatorial, high disparities in salaries, wrongful dismissal, misapplication of funds, workplace harassment, among others. The Vote of no confidence was followed by a three-day peaceful “go-slow” action at the offices of NaFAA in July 2024 after several failed negotiations with the Board Chair of NaFAA. The go-slow action was brought to a halt by the intervention of the Labor Ministry. The Labor Ministry cited the workers’ association and Glassco to a conference several times, but Madam Glassco refused to attend any. On September 5, 2024, the Labor Ministry made a default judgment asking Glassco to adhere to the workers’ association resolution provisions, which DG Glassco has vehemently rejected.
“We commend the Boakai-Koung administration’s firm stance against corruption and misconduct, ensuring that those entrusted with public service uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect. The fishery sector is a vital pillar of our economy, supporting thousands of livelihoods that entail values of honesty, fairness, and responsible leadership.
“We encourage the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation, ensuring mismanaged funds are accounted for. Also, we recommend the investigation and punishment of all management staff who are associated with the mismanagement of funds at NaFAA. We remain committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of the National Fishery and Aquaculture Authority’s workers, and pledge to work with the government to promote good governance and ethical leadership within NaFAA.
“Once again, we thank His Excellency President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr. for his leadership in safeguarding the integrity of the fishery sector of Liberia,” NaFAAWA reiterated.