Womenvoices Newspapers has received credible information about a plan by certain members of the ruling Unity Party (UP) to oust Madam Emma Glassco from the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority. The 88 million-dollar funded programs to be implemented by the authority are said to be a contributing factor in Madam Glassco’s removal plot.
Folks in the ruling Unity Party want to gain access to the funds without any guarantee of upholding the intent of the project documents. According to our reporter who spoke to sources close to her, Madam Glassco seems not to be bothered by the fight to remove her but by the proper management of the donor’s funds.
Of the the 88 million United States dollars grant and loan acquired by the Authority, 50 million is expected to be used for the construction of fishing port and landing facilities for local fishermen across several coastal counties. In addition, there is a 20 million dollars pending construction of laboratory and dry stock through OPEC International Funds, as well as the construction of a Fiber glass board, which is a World Bank initiative to promote a sustainable semi-industrial fishing economy for Liberia, amongst others.
Experts argue that any attempt to remove Madam Glassco could disrupt continuity and productivity at the authority. Some believe that President Boakai should consider giving Madam Glassco the benefit of the doubt due to her strong track record and enable her to sign his performant contract.
If President Boakai removes all tenure holders without considering their past contributions, many fear it could be seen as a witch hunt and worsen the fragility of our peace and democracy.
Since the genesis of post-war Liberia and before her ascendancy as Head of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), much wasn’t heard about the institution as less progress that warranted public veneration was made.
After Madam Emma Metieh Glassco rose to helm of power at the authority, she dismantled the obstacles that had impeded the entity’s advancement for years through numerous essential actions. These actions were eventually recognized by the United States and continue to be evident to all even today.
Regrettably, her critics have started politicizing her achievements and creating unfounded accusations to fulfill their self-serving ambitions. The latest attack on Madam Glassco’s persona is a proxy battle aimed at undermining her commitment to secure her position at NaFAA.
Removing Emma Metieh Glassco from her current position at NaFAA can only happen if the President is willing to go against the Act that established the organization, as it mandates a four-year tenure for the office. She has completed only two years of her second term, with two more years remaining. Madam Glassco was first appointed in 2018. After the peak of her initial tenure, she was reappointed by President Weah in 2022.
The Act establishing the National Fisheries and Aquaculture of Liberia states that the Director General’s term is four years, renewable for one further four-year term only.
The document states, “The Appointment of the Director General.” 1) The President will appoint a Director-General based on the Board’s recommendation and with the Senate’s approval. The Director-General must have an advanced degree from a recognized university in natural resources, environmental management, development, or science; fisheries studies, aquaculture studies, including governance, management, development, or science; oceanography; or any other field deemed relevant by the Board. Additionally, the Director-General must have at least seven years of experience in a senior management role.
The United States recognized Glassco’s advancements in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
In August 2022, the United States State Department acknowledged the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) authorities’ endeavors to reinstate Liberia’s fisheries to their condition before the war. The 2022 report from the US State Department on Liberia highlighted that the fishing industry, which had been inactive compared to pre-war times, is now showing enhancements that could increase its appeal for investment.
The Government of Liberia implemented significant changes and established enhanced investment and legal frameworks through the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority to enhance the attractiveness of the sector.
The executive summary of the research highlights significant progress in transforming the Liberian fisheries sector, which offers substantial investment prospects for economic growth.
The US State Department assessment highlighted Liberia’s abundance of natural resources, vast potentially productive agricultural area, and ample rainfall to support agribusinesses, despite facing several investment hurdles.
According to a NaFAA press release, this statement supports NaFAA’s prior recommendations for Liberians and international investors to capitalize on the exceptional investment prospects in the Liberian Fisheries.
In April 2021, Liberia, represented by NaFAA, entered into two significant agreements with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to enhance the fisheries industry in the West African nation. The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) of the country stated that the goal of the ‘Livelihood Empowerment of Women in Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF) during and after COVID-19’ initiative is to guarantee food security and reduce poverty.
A project named ‘Assessment of Sea Cucumber Fisheries along the Coast in Liberia’ intends to develop a sea cucumber management plan, which will be the first of its kind in the Gulf of Guinea.
In May 2023, the Government of Liberia announced plans to secure an extra $5 million in United States dollars for setting up a Regional Center of Excellence for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences in Liberia, under the leadership of Madam Emma Metieh Glassco at the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA).
The Government of Liberia is seeking an extra $5 million to build the Regional Center of Excellence for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences in Liberia.
In March 2022, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) management announced that they secured a $1.2 million grant from the World Bank to establish a fisheries science degree program at the University of Liberia.
Madam Emma Metieh Glassco gained attention from the World Maritime University in February 2023 for her significant improvements to the Liberian Fisheries industry during her tenure under the CDC-led government starting in 2018.
The World Maritime University authorities acknowledged Emma Glassco, a Liberian Maritime and Fisheries Professional, and other alumni for their significant contributions to the maritime and fisheries sectors of their respective countries since graduating.
A report from the World Maritime University mentioned Madam Emma Metieh Glassco and other exceptional and effective female graduates of the university. The World Maritime University proudly showcased the information they acquired from the university upon graduating.
The University of Liberia (UL) and the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) started building a Regional Center of Excellence for Fishery Science and Governance at UL on July 29, 2023. Subsequently, fisheries courses were added to the university’s curriculum.
In August 2023, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authorities (NaFAA) conducted a thorough assessment of fish stocks to create a management plan for fisheries authorities in Liberia. This plan aimed to provide information on fish resources in Liberia’s territorial waters and determine the necessary reduction in the number of fishing vessels.
The inaugural fish stock assessment, conducted by fisheries officials, aims to entice investors for industrial fishing to boost employment and increase revenue.
In January of this year, the commissioning ceremony of the Moroccan research vessel for conducting scientific fish stock assessments in Liberian waters occurred at the Bong Mines Pier near the Freeport of Monrovia on Bushrod Island, with a large turnout of local and international guests.
The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) was established under a National Legislation Act on October 9, 2017. It operates as an independent entity under the Public Authorities Law of Liberia. NaFAA originated from the former Bureau of National Fisheries, which functioned as a division in the Department of Technical Services of the Ministry of Agriculture from 1956 to 2017.
NaFAA aims to sustainably manage and develop economically successful fisheries to create wealth for current and future generations.
To achieve the sector’s main goal, the government will focus on enhancing the institutional and legislative framework for fisheries management, conducting adaptive research, involving communities and stakeholders in fisheries management, fostering international cooperation, improving monitoring capabilities, and implementing technologies to enhance economic returns in fisheries.
