Ombudsman Imposes Fine on Suspended NaFAA Director General Emma Glassco for Code of Conduct Violations

Monrovia, Liberia - The Office of the Ombudsman has imposed a fine of $500 USD on the suspended Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA), Emma Glassco, for violating the Code of Conduct. The fine is due to her indifference, arrogance, and disrespect towards subordinate staff. The fine must be paid within 72 hours into government revenues as outlined by the Ombudsman’s office.

Additionally, Glassco, who is represented by former Associate Justice Kabineh Ja’neh during the investigation, has been instructed to review all employee dismissals she made without justifiable cause. The names of those dismissed must be submitted to the NaFAA Board of Directors within the next 30 days for review.

The Office of the Ombudsman also expressed appreciation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., for acting on its recommendation to suspend Madam Glassco. President Boakai’s decision came in the wake of allegations of financial and administrative inefficiencies within NaFAA. In a communication to Madam Glassco, the President referenced the NaFAA Board’s resolution that calls for her suspension under Section 3.9.2 of the NaFAA Act.

The Ombudsman further noted that its investigation into Glassco’s alleged misconduct during an official meeting also includes allegations of insulting behavior, which goes against the Code of Conduct Act (Section 11.10).

The Office of the Ombudsman thanked President Boakai for his commitment to enforcing an ethical government and urged public officials to follow suit.

Upcoming Ombudsman Hearings on Illegal Political Participation

The Ombudsman has announced new hearings on the illegal political participation of presidential appointees. These hearings, which will begin on Monday, February 24, aim to investigate alleged violations of Part Five of the Code of Conduct of 2014.

The public is encouraged to submit the names of any active political party officials or executives who have been appointed to government positions by President Boakai or his predecessors. This initiative follows several complaints and is designed to ensure government efficiency and accountability.

About the Office of the Ombudsman

The Office of the Ombudsman continues to receive and investigate complaints, as well as initiate self-driven investigations regarding Code of Conduct violations by public officials and government employees. The upcoming findings will be released on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, after completing ongoing investigations.