Tension is mounting at the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) as the institution’s Workers Association accuses Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah of unlawfully appointing William Boeh as Acting Director General. Boeh, who serves as Deputy Director General for Technical Services, was named to the position while the fate of suspended Director General Emma Metieh Glasco remains unclear amid an ongoing investigation.
In a letter to Boeh, Dr. Nuetah claimed the appointment was made in consultation with President Joseph Boakai and the NaFAA Board of Directors. He cited Chapter 3, Section 3.8(b) of the NaFAA Act, which authorizes the Deputy Director General to assume leadership in the absence or incapacity of the Director General. Nuetah defended his decision as a necessary step to maintain operations and address pressing issues in Liberia’s fisheries sector.
However, the NaFAA Workers Association has rejected the appointment, describing it as an overreach of the minister’s authority. They argue that the NaFAA Act of 2017 clearly places the power to recommend leadership changes in the hands of the Board of Directors, not the Agriculture Minister. According to the Act, any dismissal or appointment requires a formal resolution signed by board members, including representatives from key government ministries and agencies.
The Workers Association also expressed gratitude to President Boakai for suspending Madam Glasco, whom they accuse of leading an “oppressive and dictatorial” administration during her seven-year tenure. They allege that under Glasco’s leadership, employees endured abusive labor practices, including being forced to refer to her as “Mother” and stand in her presence.
Glasco’s suspension followed an audit that uncovered serious financial misconduct, including the fraudulent withholding of staff Social Security contributions and the misrepresentation of NaFAA’s financial records. Additionally, the Office of the Ombudsman found she violated Liberia’s Code of Conduct by engaging in political activities while in office.
In response to these findings, the Workers Association has demanded the immediate dismissal of Madam Glasco and the suspension of the Deputy Director for Administration for three months without pay. They have also called for a full audit of NaFAA’s finances and the reversal of staff terminations that allegedly violated due process.
The Association is urging President Boakai to reject Boeh’s appointment and instead designate a neutral officer to oversee the institution’s leadership transition. They further accuse Minister Nuetah of attempting to conceal additional financial irregularities through his unilateral decision.
