Emma Glassco, the director of Liberia’s fisheries regulatory body – the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) – has rejected calls for her resignation over allegations of corruption ranging from the illegal dismissal of NaFAA workers to unfair treatment of onboard observers.
In response to these calls, Glassco has requested the formation of an independent committee – organized by the executive arm of the Liberian government – to investigate the graft claims against her and the NaFAA, claiming these allegations are politically motivated. Glassco was hired by former Liberian President Goerge Weah, who lost his bid for reelection to Joseph Boakai in November 2023.
“I want to get my fair justice. I want people to probe these allegations to see if I did anything illegal, and then I will avail myself to whatever consequences may arise. But, simply to exert pressure and demand my unceremonious removal is not fair to me.” Glassco told Front Page Africa.
NaFAA, which was created in October 2017 as an autonomous body to regulate the Liberian fishery sector, backed up its director, issuing a statement on 27 February saying Glassco has been unfairly targeted and defamed despite her “hard-earned reputation.”
Allegations against Glassco include illegally dismissing NaFAA workers and unfairly deducting observer dues and denying them insurance.
Protesting workers also claimed their salaries have not increased in over five years, which is right around the time Glassco assumed her position, while others claim they have been kept on temporary employment status for too long, which runs contrary to Liberian labor laws.
Glassco has additionally been facing discontent among ...
