Monrovia – Agriculture Minister Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah has reportedly overstepped presidential authority by unilaterally appointing William Boeh as Acting Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA). This action contravenes the Act establishing NaFAA, which mandates that such appointments must be made directly by the President.
Minister Nuetah’s controversial letter to Mr. Boeh claims board approval and presidential consultation, stating, “I am pleased, on behalf of the Board of Directors and in consultation with the President of the Republic of Liberia, to appoint you as Acting Director General of NaFAA pending the investigation of the suspended Director General and a final decision on her status.”
However, the NaFAA Workers Association (NaFAAWA) has strongly denounced Minister Nuetah’s appointment, urging President Boakai to reject the “illegal appointment” and appoint a neutral Officer-in-Charge instead. NaFAAWA labeled Minister Nuetah’s action as unilateral and an attempt to undermine the leadership transition.
The latest appointment comes amid the suspension of the embattled Director General, Madam Emma Glasco, who has been accused of financial misconduct involving World Bank-funded projects and violations of the Code of Conduct, as determined by the Office of the Ombudsman. Madam Glassco maintains that she strictly adhered to best practices.
NaFAA Workers Association (NaFAAWA) is at the same time calling upon President Boakai to reject the Agriculture Minister’s appointment and instead name a neutral Officer-in-Charge. They also demand a comprehensive audit of NaFAA to unveil any concealed financial wrongdoing.
The NaFAAWA is also calling for implementation of the Ombudsman’s recommendations which include the dismissal of the Director General, the suspension of the Deputy Director General for three months without pay, and a review of the dismissal of staff members to ensure due process and fairness.
NaFAAWA: “Given the gravity of these directives, we urge the Board to take swift action to uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance within the institution by urgently implementing the aforementioned rulings without any further delay. Failure to adhere to the Ombudsman’s decision may not only undermine public trust in NaFAA but also set a precedent that disregards institutional oversight and justice.
“Despite this, Minister of Agriculture Dr. Alexander Nutah has unilaterally appointed the Deputy Director General for Technical Services to act as Director General—an action that directly contradicts the NaFAA Act of 2017, which gives the Board the power to recommend to the President and not the Board Chairman, making a unilateral decision to appoint someone to act.
The Workers Association condemns Minister Nutah’s unlawful interference in NaFAA’s leadership transition.”
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