LETCOM Welcomes President Weah’s Decision to Withdraw Dr. Slawon’s Appointment

LETCOM’s National Coordinator, Mannis Howard Barclay

Following serious criticism from a civil society organization named ‘Liberia Education for All Technical Committee (LETCOM), and others in the public, 
President George M. Weah has withdrawn the appointment of Dr. Michael P. Slawon to head the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE).

On June 7, 2021, President Weah nominated Dr. Slawon to head the NCHE, a decision which, LETCOM claimed, the President was in violation of the Act establishing the NCHE.   

It may be recalled that during Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s regime, Dr. Slawon headed the same agency of government. But his recent appointment was hugely criticized by the group and other prominent Liberians on the ground that Dr. Slawon lacks the integrity to head such a position. 

Speaking to the Daily Observer in an exclusive interview this week, LETCOM’s National Coordinator, Mannis Howard Barclay, thanked President Weah for reconsidering his decision so far.

He further noted that the position to which Dr. Slawon was appointed is clearly defined as “Civil Servant,” by an Act of Legislature, which should not be a presidential appointment position.

He noted that the commission has the authority to elect all of its officials. “The Board of Commissioners is vested with the authority appropriately by the act, to elect, appoint staff and personnel of the secretariat of the NCHE, including its head.” 

He however used the occasion to thank the Senate Committee on Education, headed by Senator Prince Moye and Rep. Mariambu Fofana and the entire 54th national legislature to scrutinize any presidential appointee before confirmation, so as to avoid future embarrassment.