By Preston Slami Panyonnoh
Greenville, Sinoe County – September 19, 2025 — Tempers flared at the Samuel Alfred Ross Port of Greenville this week as senior staff accused Port Manager Cllr. Sylvia Tarley of fostering division, abusing her authority, and ordering assaults on employees based on an investigation by Verity News. Workers are now demanding urgent intervention from the National Port Authority (NPA) to restore calm and discipline at one of Liberia’s busiest southeastern ports.
Pier Superintendent Jefferson Worloh told reporters Friday that a pattern of intimidation has been growing under Tarley’s leadership. He claimed she routinely targets staff she believes are loyal to Representative Alex Noah, the former Port Manager who contested the 2023 elections.
“Since December 2024, she’s been trying to sideline me,” Worloh said. “She suspended me without cause just to keep me away from the pier whenever international vessels dock. She prefers her own people.”
The latest flashpoint reportedly erupted earlier this week in the office of Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) Sunday Wright, with Technical Supervisor Roosevelt Kieh Tiawulah present.
According to Worloh and other witnesses, Tarley confronted Wright over his continued signing of documents and use of official furniture after she had “verbally removed” him from his post. Wright allegedly replied:
“Boss lady, if you’re serious about dismissing me, let top management send me a letter.”
That remark, sources said, infuriated the manager. She allegedly slapped Wright twice, sparking a heated scene.
As the dispute escalated, Worloh said he tried to exit the room, but Tarley blocked him, accusing him of leaking information to Representative Noah. Moments later, she reportedly instructed port security officers — including Moses Sackor and other seaport police — to manhandle Worloh, Wright, and a staffer identified as Stephen Seen.
Worloh said he was dragged to the Seaport Police “Charge of Quarters,” where he was held for nearly 24 hours before being released without charge.
The Pier Superintendent and his colleagues have written to NPA headquarters, urging a thorough investigation. They warn that unchecked harassment could undermine operations, morale, and safety at the port.
“We need NPA leadership to step in now,” Worloh insisted. “The port cannot function if workers are living in fear.”
Attempts to reach Cllr. Tarley for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
Meanwhile, port workers say productivity is already suffering as staff brace for further reprisals. They are appealing to Managing Director and the NPA Board to deploy a fact-finding team to Greenville before tensions spiral further.
