Claim: "ALL Deputy and Assistant Ministers serve 'subject to the DIRECTION, SUPERVISION and CONTROL' of THE Head Ministers at various Ministries; and THE Head Ministers serve at the 'PLEASURE' of the President... according to LAW."
Source: Senator Dillon's Facebook Post
VERDICT: Senator Dillon is correct about the ministerial authority structure of the government of Liberia.
Full Text: Montserrado County Senator Abe Darius Dillon recently took to Facebook to clarify the hierarchical structure within Liberia's executive branch, stating:
"Under our system of government and governance structures. ALL Deputy and Assistant Ministers serve subject to the DIRECTION, SUPERVISION, and CONTROL' of THE Head Ministers at various Ministries; and THE Head Ministers serve at the 'PLEASURE' of the President... according to LAW!!"
Dillon's statement comes amid the resignation of former Assistant Minister for International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Karishma Pelham-Raad. The resignation has sparked widespread speculation that she was forced out due to alleged insubordination toward Foreign Minister Sara Beysolo Nyanti. The Facebook post gained significant traction, generating 481 reactions, 161 comments, and 9 shares at the time of verification.
Verification: The Stage Media reviewed Liberia's legal framework, specifically examining the Executive Law of Liberia and the 1986 Constitution to verify Senator Dillon's claims.
"The head of a ministry or other autonomous agency of the executive branch... may, unless expressly prohibited by law, from time to time delegate authority to perform any function vested in him or them... to any other officer, or to any employee or sub-agency within such ministry or agency under the same supervision and direction."
Chapter 10, Section 10.5 further establishes that ministry heads have regulatory authority, subject only to presidential approval:
"The head of each ministry or independent agency in the Executive Branch is authorized, subject to the approval of the President, to prescribe regulations not inconsistent with the law for the operation of the ministry or agency."
Article 54 of the 1986 Constitution clearly outlines the appointment process:
"The President shall nominate and, with the consent of the Senate, appoint and commission: (a) Cabinet ministers, deputy and assistant cabinet ministers."
Article 56(A) leaves no ambiguity regarding tenure:
"All cabinet ministers, deputy and assistant cabinet ministers, ambassadors, ministers and consuls... appointed by the President pursuant to this Constitution shall hold their offices at the pleasure of the President."
The Executive Law specifically addresses the Foreign Ministry's organization in Chapter 20, Section 20.2, establishing a clear hierarchy with the Minister of Foreign Affairs authorized to determine the internal organization of all subordinate offices, including:
- Deputy Ministers
- Assistant Ministers
- Various bureaus and divisions
Conclusion: Senator Dillon's claim is legally accurate and constitutionally sound. Liberia's governance structure, as established by both the 1986 Constitution and the Executive Law, creates a clear chain of command where:
- Deputy and Assistant Ministers operate under the direct supervision, control, and direction of their respective Head Ministers
- Head Ministers serve at the sole discretion of the President
- Ministerial authority is clearly defined and legally protected within this hierarchical framework
This legal framework supports the principle of executive accountability and ensures clear lines of authority within government ministries, a structure that appears particularly relevant in light of recent events at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
