Published: January 17, 2025
PAYNESVILLE – Accusations of autocratic leadership at the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) have reached a boiling point as the Workers Union publicly denounced Director General Eugene L. Fahngon, alleging widespread intimidation, harassment, and a hostile work environment. The Union’s press conference on Thursday, January 16, 2025, marked their first public stand after nearly a year of silence.
The Union accused Fahngon of undermining productivity by suspending worker benefits, arbitrarily dismissing staff, and interfering in Union affairs. Highlighting specific grievances, they demanded the reinstatement of wrongfully terminated employees, including Mr. Peter Clinton, and the immediate restoration of suspended benefits. They also appealed to President Joseph Boakai and the Liberian public to intervene in what they described as an untenable situation.
“LBS is meant to be a public institution serving the Liberian people, but under Fahngon’s leadership, it has become a place of division and fear,” the Union stated, urging the government to act decisively to restore dignity and fairness within the organization.
Fahngon, who assumed office less than a year ago, has been criticized for canceling long-standing traditions like the annual Christmas party for children and mismanaging canteen operations. His management style, described by some as draconian, has reportedly led to a decline in staff morale and increased workplace stress.
This isn’t the first time Fahngon has faced controversy. In 2021, he was dismissed as Deputy Information Minister for Press and Public Affairs under former President George Weah’s administration after being accused of spreading false information during the COVID-19 pandemic. His current leadership at LBS has reignited concerns about his governance approach, with some staff members drawing parallels between his past and present conduct.
Adding to the tension, the immediate past leadership of LBS, headed by Estelle Liberty Kemoh, previously accused Fahngon of conducting a smear campaign to discredit their administration. In a formal complaint to the Ministry of Information last year, Kemoh alleged that Fahngon maligned her leadership and falsely claimed her administration left LBS in disarray.
Fahngon has denied the allegations, labeling them as “malicious, misleading, and concocted.” He is expected to address the accusations in a press conference on Friday, January 17, 2025, where he has vowed to present evidence refuting the claims.
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