The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) is set for a sweeping financial probe as its new acting Director General, Cyrus Saygbe, has ordered an audit into the administration of his predecessor, Emma Metieh-Glassco.
Taking over the agency on Monday, March 24, 2025, Saygbe wasted no time in exposing what he described as troubling financial conditions left behind. According to him, NaFAA currently holds just over US$450,000 in its account, a sharp contrast to the more than US$4 million allocated in the 2024 budget. He also revealed outstanding financial obligations, including unpaid salaries, unremitted taxes, and a failure to meet a mandated US$1.276 million remittance to the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA).
“We have instructed the Internal Audit Agency (IAA) to investigate the past administration,” Saygbe announced, emphasizing the agency’s urgent need for financial accountability.
Glassco’s removal from office came amid growing scrutiny. President Joseph Boakai suspended her in February following a recommendation from the NaFAA Board of Directors, citing mismanagement concerns. The Office of the Ombudsman also advised her suspension over allegations of inappropriate conduct during an official probe.
Her leadership had long been a source of contention. In May 2024, the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority Workers Association (NaFAAWA) publicly rejected her leadership, accusing her of financial mismanagement and fostering a toxic work environment. Months later, their frustrations escalated into a three-day go-slow protest, prompting intervention from the Ministry of Labor. Even after the Labor Ministry ruled against her in September, Glassco reportedly refused to comply, further intensifying tensions within the agency.
Following her dismissal, Glassco denounced the decision, suggesting political interference overshadowed her contributions. In a public statement, she lamented not being given the chance to formally exit, stating, “Politics has interrupted our wonderful plans.” She defended her tenure, highlighting what she described as groundbreaking achievements, including securing over US$100 million in international funding, regulatory advancements, and infrastructure projects such as the Mesurado Fishing Pier.
