Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-20 02:20:00
The National Teachers’ Association of Liberia (NTAL) was established in 1938 with the aim of supporting the government in enhancing the quality of teachers and workers in the education sector of the country. The organization has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and welfare of educators in Liberia for several decades.
Recently, the NTAL found itself embroiled in controversy when two of its former officials, Mr. Isaac Seh Kamara and Mr. Samuel Y. Johnson, made allegations against the institution. The accusations, which were made through press statements on 8 February 2024, claimed that the previous government colluded with NTAL leadership to target them in a power struggle within the organization.
Among the allegations leveled against NTAL national president, Mrs. Mary W. Mulbah Nyumah, was the claim that she had accepted a gift of a blue jeep from an undisclosed donor in exchange for compromising advocacies against the LEAP school. The former officials also accused Madam Nyumah of disregarding the NTAL constitution, violating the institution’s regulations, and unlawfully serving as its president.
In response to these allegations, the NTAL held a press conference in Monrovia on 19 March 2024 to address the situation. The organization vehemently refuted the claims made by the former officials, labeling them as misleading and lacking any basis in truth. The National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Representative Council (RC) of the NTAL condemned the assertions made by Johnson and Kamara, stating that they were devoid of substance.
The NTAL also revealed that Mr. Johnson had been dismissed from his position following an investigation by the 66th National Delegates Convention in December 2022. He was found guilty of several infractions, including refusing to comply with directives from the National President and the Representative Council, making decisions without consultation, and displaying disrespectful behavior towards the organization’s leadership.
Additionally, the NTAL disclosed that Mr. Johnson had been issued multiple warnings and suspension letters for his conduct before being ultimately terminated in accordance with the organization’s constitution. The former Secretary-General’s actions were deemed detrimental to the interests of Liberia’s teachers and education workers.
Regarding Mr. Kamara, the NTAL accused him of inciting teachers and education workers due to his alleged incompetence and corrupt practices during his tenure as the President of the Bomi County NTAL Branch. The organization claimed that Kamara owed a substantial amount to the NTAL, which he had failed to repay despite promises to do so.
The NTAL questioned Kamara’s credibility to demand an audit of the institution’s finances, citing his unresolved debt and disqualification from contesting for a leadership position within the organization. The NTAL emphasized that all its operations are conducted in accordance with the organization’s by-laws and constitution, which govern the auditing process and financial transparency.
In conclusion, the NTAL remains committed to upholding the rights and interests of teachers and education workers in Liberia. The organization continues to advocate for improved standards in the education sector and to ensure accountability and professionalism within its ranks.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
