MONROVIA, LIBERIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has suspended Madam Emma Metieh-Glassco, Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), pending an investigation by the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC). The decision, which takes immediate effect, follows a recommendation from the NaFAA Board of Directors citing managerial and financial inefficiencies.
An Executive Mansion press release issued on Wednesday, February 13, 2025, stated that President Boakai’s action aligns with Section 3.9.2 of the Act establishing NaFAA, which empowers the Board to make disciplinary recommendations against officials accused of mismanagement. The suspension comes amid growing concerns about governance issues within the fisheries agency, an institution critical to Liberia’s economy.
In his communication to Glassco, President Boakai referenced a separate recommendation from the Office of the Ombudsman, which advised her suspension due to allegations of insulting behavior during an official investigation meeting. The Ombudsman deemed this conduct inappropriate for a public official and cited Section 11.10 of the Code of Conduct Act as the basis for its recommendation.
The suspension of Glassco follows months of tension within NaFAA, with staff members previously accusing her of poor leadership, financial mismanagement, and workplace harassment. The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority Workers Association (NaFAAWA) had issued a vote of no confidence in Glassco in May 2024, alleging a dictatorial leadership style and disparities in salaries. Their grievances led to a three-day go-slow protest in July, which was only halted after the intervention of the Ministry of Labor.
Despite multiple attempts by labor authorities to mediate the dispute, Glassco reportedly refused to attend scheduled meetings. In September 2024, the Labor Ministry issued a default ruling against her, ordering her to comply with workers’ resolutions, a directive she allegedly ignored. Her continued defiance fueled further discontent within the agency, culminating in the Board of Directors’ latest recommendation for her suspension.
The fisheries sector is one of Liberia’s most crucial industries, providing jobs and revenue to thousands of citizens. Glassco’s suspension raises questions about the future leadership of the institution and the extent of the alleged financial and managerial inefficiencies cited by the Board. The investigation by the Ministry of Justice and LACC is expected to determine the full scope of these allegations.
President Boakai has urged the suspended Director General to fully cooperate with investigators to address the concerns raised against her.
