-Suspended NAFAA DG Glassco Questions Suspension As Pres. Boakai Appoints Acting Director General
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – A month after her suspension by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Madam Emma Metieh-Glassco, the suspended Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NAFAA), describes her suspension as a “political conspiracy” and a “complete disservice” to her contributions to Liberia.
In a Facebook post on Friday, March 14, 2025, Madam Glassco expressed her frustration over the lack of an investigation into the allegations against her, despite her willingness to cooperate. She wrote, “Political Conspiracy! Complete disservice, for my contribution to my country Liberia… Malign my Character without proof.. No Investigation.. So I am Dismissed without a Cause..” She ended her post with the hashtag “#Justice4Emma.” Meanwhile, President Joseph Nyuma Boakak has appointed Mr. J. Cyrus Saygbe, Sr. as Acting Director General of the NATIONAL FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE AUTHORITY (NaFAA).
President Boakai suspended Madam Glassco on February 15, 2025, following a resolution by the NAFAA Board of Directors. The suspension, based on Section 3.9.2 of the Act establishing NAFAA, cited managerial and financial inefficiencies. Additionally, the President referenced a communication from the Office of the Ombudsman, which recommended her suspension and investigation over allegations of “insulting behavior” during an official investigation meeting. This conduct deemed unbecoming of a public official, falls under Section 11.10 of the Code of Conduct Act.
In his communication to Madam Glassco, President Boakai urged her to fully cooperate with the investigations to address the concerns raised. However, since her suspension, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has yet to initiate an investigation into her tenure at NAFAA, raising questions about the transparency and fairness of the process.
A Pattern of Suspensions
Madam Glassco’s suspension is part of a broader wave of administrative actions taken by President Boakai’s administration. Just days before her suspension, the President suspended Madam Rostalyn Suakoko Dennis, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL), on February 8, 2025. This decision followed a resolution by NOCAL’s Board of Directors, which recommended her suspension and an investigation into allegations of misconduct.
A day after Madam Glassco’s suspension, President Boakai also suspended over 400 appointed officials across various government entities, signaling a sweeping effort to address inefficiencies and alleged misconduct within his administration.
Madam Glassco’s suspension has flared concerns among many, with some, including famous Liberian talk show host Clarence Jackson questioning the lack of due process in her case. Other analysts and critics argue that the absence of an investigation by the LACC undermines the credibility of the allegations against her.
