Workers of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaAFA) intensified their protests today, renewing their call for the immediate dismissal of Director General Emma Glassco amid allegations of gross mismanagement of funds totaling US $800,000.
The ongoing demonstrations, a culmination of months of dissatisfaction, reached a fever pitch as employees voiced their grievances against Director Glassco, labeling her tenure as detrimental to the entity’s reputation and achievements.
In conversations with reporters, aggrieved workers accused Director Glassco of financial mismanagement, specifically citing her failure to account for institutional funds and her alleged withholding of staff benefits and support for maintenance initiatives.
“Madam Glassco’s continued presence at NaAFA is an embarrassment to our achievements.
She has shown arrogance and a dismissive attitude towards her staff,” remarked one of the protesting workers.
“Her mismanagement of significant funds meant for the agency’s operations cannot be overlooked any longer. It’s time for Emma to go.”
Workers further alleged that Director Glassco has wielded political influence in arbitrary dismissals of staff, citing instances where employees were terminated based on their political affiliations.
They accused her of disregarding labor laws and creating a hostile work environment marked by fear and uncertainty.
“Before President Boakai assumed office, Director Glassco made it clear that our jobs depended on voting for a specific candidate,” revealed another worker.
“She has consistently violated labor laws by firing employees at will. Her behavior demands immediate action.”
Amid chants and placards demanding accountability and justice, the workers declared their unwavering resolve to continue protesting until their demands are met.
“If it means we have to protest until our voices are heard, so be it. We will not rest until Emma Glassco is removed from her position,” affirmed a spokesperson for the protesting workers.
“No NaAFA staff member will set foot in these premises until our demands for her dismissal are met.”
The escalating crisis at NaAFA underscores deep-seated concerns over governance and accountability within Liberia’s public institutions.
Meanwhile, The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) staunchly denied allegations of misappropriating US$865,000 from the World Bank-backed Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project (LSMFP).
Characterizing the claims as baseless and potentially damaging to Liberia’s fisheries sector recently, NaFAA emphasized its commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in managing international funds.
According to NaFAA’s Director General, Madam Emma Metieh Glassco, all disbursements under the LSMFP underwent rigorous scrutiny and received explicit approval from the World Bank.
“No disbursement was made without the ‘no objection’ from the World Bank,” she asserted, underlining the meticulous oversight exercised by both the World Bank project office and Liberia’s Ministry of Finance.
Addressing specific allegations surrounding the utilization of funds earmarked for constructing NaFAA’s headquarters, Madam Glassco clarified that US$831,000 was allocated for essential project needs.
These included the procurement of six vehicles, two motorbikes, public awareness billboards, and electric generators, all of which were sanctioned as necessary expenditures crucial for project implementation.
Madam Glassco vehemently refuted claims that any vehicles purchased were diverted for political campaigns, labeling such accusations as groundless.
She further pointed out that the procurement processes adhered to stringent World Bank guidelines, with transparent documentation available for public scrutiny.
The NaFAA Director General attributed the smear campaign to certain individuals, including former and current employees, whom she accused of attempting to tarnish her reputation and undermine the authority’s achievements under her leadership.
