The suspended head of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority says she is surprised by a Board’s resolution linking her to alleged managerial and financial inefficiencies.
Monrovia, Liberia, February 17, 2025—The suspended Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NAFAA), Emma Metieh-Glassco, expressed surprise at her suspension over allegations of managerial and financial inefficiencies.
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai suspended Director Emma Glassco last week immediately based on a resolution by the NAFAA Board of Directors.
In a communication to Mrs. Glassco, President Boakai outlined the Board’s resolution, which calls for her suspension due to managerial and financial inefficiencies.
In his communication, the president notes that the Board’s recommendation is in accordance with Section 3.9.2 of the act establishing NAFAA.
President Boakai also referenced a communication from the Office of the Ombudsman, which recommended Mrs. Glassco’s suspension and investigation based on allegations of insults. The alleged misconduct 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.
The President urged the suspended NAFAA Director General to fully cooperate with these investigations and address the concerns raised.
However, Madam Glassco says she is surprised by the allegations, especially considering the positive outcome from her last audit by the General Auditing Commission (GAC) that gave her the second-best opinion and did not flag any financial inefficiencies.
“I am deeply concerned about the motivations behind the decision and the impact it has on my reputation”, she laments.
She seems to acknowledge that authorities may need to do their jobs, but she raises the question of whether her character has been defamed.
Her frustration stems from potential harm to her reputation without clear evidence of wrongdoing.
According to her, she is determined to protect her integrity, especially in the face of such serious accusations that could damage it.
Notwithstanding, Madam Glassco commits to availing herself of the process and ensuring that these allegations are thoroughly addressed. Her determination to clear her name shows she’s resolved not to let the matter fade away without proper scrutiny.
She is now being investigated by the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).
However, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority has made significant progress under the administration of Director Glaasco. It was one of the few institutions during the previous government that attracted over US$40 million from abroad as donors’ support.
