-As he contentious decisions at the state radio

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By Jerromie S. Walters

The extreme level of toxicity at the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) is becoming severe by the day with employees being dismissed for speaking out on matters that affect them. The rest of them have considered remaining mute on ills at the entity to avoid being dismissed by the Director General Eugene L. Fahngon.

Unimaginably, Fahngon has gone beyond silencing critical voices at the entity. Letters obtained by WomenVoices confirm reports of unilateral and contentious decisions by Eugene L. Fahngon, Director General of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS), earlier flagged by some workers of the entity. His actions include a giant increase in petty cash for his office the suspension of employees, and crucial benefits among others.

Fahngon was nominated for his position by President Joseph Boakai on February 7, 2024. He previously served as Deputy Minister of Information under former President Weah but was dismissed for administrative issues. Many speculated that his removal was due to his “reckless” comments on critical matters.

Since his ascendancy to the post (Director General), Fahngon’s leadership has faced scrutiny. Workers voiced their frustrations during a press conference at the LBS compound last Thursday. Days later, he suspended the president of the Workers Union of the entity who led the conduct of the press conference. He boastfully told his aggrieved employees that he would not reverse any of his decisions which they believe are not right.

USD 1,500 Petty Cash Increase

On November 18, 2024, Fahngon directed an increase in the petty cash fund from $500 to $1,500, citing the system’s expansion. When Comptroller A. Byron Chappie did not comply, Fahngon issued a warning.

In a memo dated December 10, 2024, he reprimanded Chappie, stating, “Your refusal to turn over petty cash requested by me led to a delay in the performance of my duty.” He warned of harsher actions for further disobedience.

Chappie Sets the Record Straight

Chappie responded in a memo dated December 11, 2024. He stated he had not refused any instructions and was awaiting guidance from Deputy Director General Thomas F. Guwor before acting on Fahngon’s verbal request for $750 from petty cash.

His words: “With all due respect, Sir at no point in time did I refuse to take instruction from you. You issued a written directive on November 18, 2024, stating that the petty cash should be increased from five hundred United States Dollars to one thousand five hundred United States Dollars since the system has expanded and daily miscellaneous expenditure has increased.”

Chappie continued, “Mr. Guwor asked that you do a written request for the amount of USD750.00 to your office for petty cash purposes or the Accounts Dept. should set aside US$750.00 in the safe for your office petty cash usage.”

Cancellation of Aid Packages

Eugene L. Fahngon, Director General of the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) also announced the indefinite suspension of employee aid packages on November 4, 2024. This policy, part of the Human Resource Manual, previously provided $500 to employees’ families in cases of death and was suspended for financial recovery.

The communication reads: “Effective immediately, Part IX Section 3 of the Human Resource Manual which offers payments to parents, spouses, and children of employees in the amount of US$500.00 in the event of death is hereby suspended for time indefinite.”

“Autocratic Rule” 

Last week, LBS workers accused Fahngon of fostering a hostile work environment filled with intimidation and harassment.

The Liberia Broadcasting System Workers Union, led by President Joseph Sayon, described Fahngon’s leadership as “autocratic.” They highlighted poor administrative decisions, unilateral actions, and violations of labor rights. Morale has plummeted under his leadership.

Conditions have worsened in less than a year. Issues include the suspension of employee benefits, alleged illegal dismissals, threats of termination, and suppression of free speech. Many employees are now facing financial and health crises.

Initially hopeful about Fahngon’s promises for improvement, workers now feel progress has regressed. They cited the cancellation of LBS’s annual Christmas party for children as a sign of declining morale and criticized Fahngon for prioritizing personal allowances over staff needs.

The Ultimatum

The workers issued a six-point demand for immediate action. They warned that if their concerns were not addressed within 72 hours, they would initiate a vote of no confidence in Fahngon. However, they couldn’t take further action because the others were intimidated following the dismissal of their president.

Their demands include restoring employee benefits, ending harassment, and reinstating dismissed employee Peter Clinton. Fahngon has since refuted the allegations made by the Liberia Broadcasting System Workers Union.

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