The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has officially registered a lawsuit filed by Emma Metieh Glassco, the suspended Director General of Liberia’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NAFAA), challenging her removal from office. The court has directed the Liberian government to respond within 30 days or risk a default judgment.
Glassco, a prominent figure in Liberia’s fisheries sector, was suspended in February 2025 following allegations of financial mismanagement and administrative inefficiencies at NAFAA. The suspension, approved by President Joseph Boakai, came after recommendations from NAFAA’s Board of Directors, which accused her of violating the agency’s governing laws.
However, Glassco claims her suspension was unjust and violated her fundamental rights to due process and a fair trial. In a lawsuit filed on March 24, 2025, at the ECOWAS Court in Abuja, Nigeria, she is seeking $10 million in damages, arguing that she was not given a fair opportunity to defend herself.
“This is a cause I am prepared for,” Glassco declared in a recent Facebook post, signaling her determination to challenge the suspension legally. She is being represented by former Associate Justice Cllr. Kabineh M. Ja’neh, a seasoned legal expert known for high-profile cases.
The ECOWAS Court has formally notified the Liberian government, giving it 30 days to file a defense. Failure to do so could result in a ruling in Glassco’s favor by default. As of now, the government has not issued an official statement on the lawsuit.
Minister of Information Jerolinmek Piah previously stated that Glassco’s suspension followed recommendations from NAFAA’s Board and was influenced by concerns raised by the Office of the Ombudsman, which described her leadership style as “insultive” and disruptive. Piah also emphasized that Glassco is expected to cooperate with ongoing investigations into the allegations against her.
The case has drawn public attention, with some viewing it as a test of accountability within Liberia’s public sector, while others see it as a potential overreach of executive power. Legal analysts suggest that the ECOWAS Court’s involvement could set a precedent for how similar administrative disputes are handled in the region.
As the 30-day deadline approaches, all eyes are on the Liberian government to see whether it will mount a robust legal defense or seek an out-of-court resolution. Meanwhile, Glassco remains resolute, framing her legal battle as a fight for justice and due process.
For now, the ball is in the government’s court, and its next move could have lasting implications for governance and employee rights in Liberia.
