By Hogkins D. Tokoah
A wave of public concern is growing in Grand Bassa County following the recent suspensions of two local school officials by County Education Officer (CEO) Jefferson D. Vobah. Several citizens — including teachers and school administrators who requested anonymity — are questioning both the duration and legality of the disciplinary actions.
District Education Officer (DEO) Philip Wrogbo was handed a two-month suspension without pay, while Principal Naomi Nagbe received a one-month suspension, also without pay. The suspensions, issued on November 17, 2025, have triggered debate over whether the CEO acted within the boundaries of the Ministry of Education’s (MoE) Code of Conduct for Teachers and School Administrators.
According to concerned residents, the MoE guidelines stipulate a graduated disciplinary process: two formal warning letters, followed by a suspension not exceeding 30 days if violations persist. They argue that this framework does not grant a County Education Officer the authority to impose penalties surpassing the one-month limit.
Citizens advocating for a reversal of the suspensions have provided what they describe as screenshot evidence of the relevant MoE regulations. They are calling on CEO Vobah to reconsider his decision and apply disciplinary measures strictly within policy guidelines.
Principal Nagbe was suspended for linking a LD2,000 student project fee to the official LD5,000 graduation fee — a practice the Ministry of Education has repeatedly cautioned against. DEO Wrogbo, meanwhile, was penalized for allegedly suspending Principal Nagbe without securing the required approval from the County Education Office.
As discontent grows, community members say they expect the Ministry of Education to intervene and ensure due process is upheld in the county’s school administration.
