By By Alphanso G. Kalama;
The Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) is currently embroiled in a leadership crisis, with escalating tensions between Director General Eugene L. Fahngon and Deputy Director General for Public Affairs Alexandra Bainda-Amnon. The discord has highlighted deeper internal issues at the national broadcaster, including ongoing worker grievances over welfare and safety.
The conflict came to light in a series of official communications. On November 13, 2024, Fahngon accused Bainda-Amnon of disrespect and insubordination, citing her refusal to attend senior management meetings. This refusal, he claimed, stemmed from her dissatisfaction with the exclusion of a staff member’s name from an employment list submitted to the Civil Service Agency. Fahngon described her actions as undermining the goals of LBS and the broader ARREST Agenda.
In response, Bainda-Amnon vehemently denied Fahngon’s accusations, labeling them as baseless and rooted in workplace gossip. She also criticized Fahngon’s leadership style, describing it as authoritarian and creating a hostile work environment at LBS. Bainda-Amnon emphasized her intent to escalate the matter to the Board of Directors and the Senate Committee Chair on Information and Broadcasting for external intervention.
This leadership rift is occurring against the backdrop of long-standing issues related to worker welfare at LBS. The Liberia Broadcasting System Workers Union (LIBSWU) issued a statement on November 17 acknowledging these ongoing concerns but distancing itself from a recent social media release that had amplified the workers’ grievances. The union stated it was engaged in ongoing dialogue with LBS management to address these issues constructively.
LIBSWU’s statement emphasized the union’s commitment to resolving the welfare, health, and occupational safety issues affecting LBS employees. While the union expressed frustration with the lack of immediate progress, it underscored its preference for negotiation and dialogue before resorting to public confrontations or strikes.
Among the unresolved worker concerns are inadequate safety measures, poor health benefits, and stagnant wages. These issues have compounded the sense of frustration within the workforce and are a major factor behind the growing unrest at LBS. Workers are demanding better working conditions and more responsive management to improve their quality of life.
The tensions between Fahngon and Bainda-Amnon, coupled with unresolved worker grievances, have created an unstable environment at LBS. The organization is now facing a crisis of leadership, with internal conflict threatening to distract from its core mission of providing public service broadcasting. The ongoing discord is also harming the morale of LBS employees, who feel their concerns are being ignored.
Despite these challenges, the LBS Board of Directors has yet to intervene decisively. Both Fahngon and Bainda-Amnon have indicated their intention to escalate the matter to the Board, and Bainda-Amnon is also seeking the involvement of the Senate Committee on Information and Broadcasting. It remains to be seen how the Board and lawmakers will respond to these escalating tensions.
This situation at LBS is emblematic of broader governance issues within Liberia’s state institutions. The conflict reflects not only leadership failures but also systemic issues related to employee welfare, transparency, and accountability. The way in which LBS handles this crisis could set a precedent for other government-run entities facing similar challenges.
The resolution of the LBS leadership dispute and worker grievances will be crucial for the future of the institution. As Liberia’s national broadcaster, LBS plays a vital role in shaping public discourse and informing the population. If the internal issues are not addressed swiftly, LBS risks further disintegration, which could have far-reaching consequences for both the media sector and public trust in government institutions.
