World Bank Funds: Liberia anti-graft agency clears fishery agency's head of fraud

The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) has cleared former National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) Director General Emma Glassco of any wrongdoing over the use of World Bank funds for the construction of NaFAA’s new headquarters.

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According to a letter shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, the decision to clear her was formalised on 23 December 2025.

The letter, which was written by the anti-graft agency’s Programme Manager of Monitoring & Investigation Baba M. Borkai, stated that the investigation found no evidence of criminal intent or liability on the part of Ms Glassco.

The commission noted that the decision was approved by the commission’s executive chairperson, Alexandra Zoc.

“In view of the aforementioned and from analysis of the evidence gathered by the investigation, we are pleased to inform you that the investigation did not establish any criminal intent or liability on the part of Hon. Emma Metieh Glassco; hence, by this instrument she has been CLEARED by the Investigation,” the letter read.

The investigation

The inquiry focused on allegations that more than US$800,000 in World Bank project funds, earmarked for the Bushrod Island NaFAA facility, was misapplied.

Ms Glassco consistently maintained that all expenditures were in strict compliance with World Bank procurement guidelines, “no-objection” protocols, and Liberia’s Ministry of Finance Project Financial Management Unit processes.

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Observers noted that projects of this nature undergo multiple layers of oversight, including review by a Project Implementation Unit, endorsement by a National Project Steering Committee, and final approval from the World Bank. The General Auditing Commission issued no adverse findings, and the LACC’s clearance aligns with these prior oversight outcomes.

In February 2025, President Joseph Boakai suspended Ms Glassco after the NaFAA Board raised concerns about her management of administrative and donor-funded projects, including the Liberia Sustainable Management of Fisheries Project.

Government officials said the suspension was a precautionary measure to protect accountability, with Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah confirming it followed the Board’s recommendations.

Rejecting the suspension, Ms Glassco filed a suit at the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja, claiming wrongful dismissal and violations of her constitutional rights and the NaFAA Act.

In case ECW/CCJ/APP/19/25, she sought US$10 million for alleged “state-organised harassment, emotional and psychological trauma, public humiliation, and false stigmatisation.”

She also requested at least US$175,000 for the unexpired term of her four-year contract, arguing the suspension caused undue financial hardship to her and her family.

Additionally, she asked the court to declare her removal unlawful and a gross violation of Liberia’s tenure laws, and sought further compensation of no less than US$5 million for professional and psychological damages.

Ms Glassco also demanded a public apology from the government in newspapers, on radio and TV, and on Liberia’s official website, claiming the authorities falsely portrayed her as corrupt and turned her into a public outcast.

She asked the court to order the government to cover US$250,000 in legal costs.

Before the LACC issued its formal clearance, Ms Glassco voluntarily withdrew her lawsuit in November 2025, discontinuing it with prejudice, meaning she will not re-file the case.

Her legal team, led by former Chief Justice Kabineh Ja’nneh and other lawyers including Sayma Cephus, asked the court to note the withdrawal and grant a moratorium on the application of Article 66(8) of the Court’s rules.

Glassco responds

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES via WhatsApp, Ms Glassco said the LACC clearance brought personal relief and reaffirmed her commitment to integrity.

“This brings a sense of relief and renewed motivation. It allows me to continue advancing along my professional path as a Fisheries and Maritime expert, particularly in a field that has traditionally been male-dominated,” she said.

She noted that political transitions can heighten scrutiny and sometimes create misunderstandings, but confidence in due process and thorough oversight clarified the situation.

“This experience reinforced an important lesson: integrity remains the foundation of professional credibility and career advancement. I remain committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism while contributing meaningfully to the fisheries and maritime sector,” Ms Glassco added.

During her tenure, Ms Glassco mobilised international financing for fisheries, strengthened compliance with European Union standards on illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and developed livelihood programs for fisherfolk.

She established co-management associations, distributed safety equipment, and implemented micro-loan schemes to support small-scale fishers.

She oversaw the construction of FAO-Thiaroye fish processing facilities and secured Liberia’s first Fisheries Patrol Vessel, the Lonestar.

As chairperson of the Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea, she promoted regional collaboration, resulting in a joint closed fishing season policy adopted by six West African countries.

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Ms Glassco also launched Liberia’s first independent fish stock assessment in over 40 years, introduced the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences programme at the University of Liberia, and advanced ratification of international fisheries agreements, including the Port State Measures Agreement.

Her efforts generated approximately US$88 million in concessional loans, co-financing, and grants, strengthening both the fisheries sector and national revenue streams.

Analysts said the LACC clearance validates Ms Glassco’s longstanding position that all reforms and expenditures under her leadership adhered to international standards of transparency and sound project management.