Monrovia, Liberia — The Administration of the Group of 77 has announced the immediate suspension of its Deputy Public Relations Director, Mr. Clifford Payne, following reports linking him to an alleged drug-related matter currently under investigation by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA).
In an official statement released Tuesday, the organization clarified that Mr. Payne is a full-time employee of the Group of 77 and not of any other institution, as some public reports had suggested. The Administration emphasized that transparency and accuracy are essential at this stage, particularly given the sensitive nature of the allegations.
Vice President’s Office Provides Statutory Oversight
The Group of 77 further noted that the Office of the Vice President of the Republic of Liberia maintains statutory oversight of the institution. This supervisory role extends to several national programs and institutions, including Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN), the Liberia Marketing Association, ONE Health, and the National Center for Coordination of Response Mechanism (NCCRM), among others.
The clarification, the Administration said, is necessary to dispel misinformation and ensure that the public is fully aware of the institution’s governance structure and its commitment to accountability.
Suspension Pending LDEA Investigation
According to the release, Mr. Payne’s suspension takes immediate effect as the LDEA continues its investigation into the suspected drug-related incident. The Group of 77 stressed that the action is in line with its internal standards of ethical conduct and its zero-tolerance stance on matters that undermine the integrity of the institution.
The Administration called on the public to remain calm and avoid premature judgments while the competent authorities conduct and conclude their investigation. “We urge everyone to refrain from speculation and allow the legal process to run its full course,” the statement added.
Public Caution and Cooperation Encouraged
The Group of 77 assured stakeholders that it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency and accountability. The Administration reiterated its confidence in the ongoing investigative process and pledged full cooperation with the relevant authorities.
For additional information or media inquiries, the statement advised the public to contact the Media & ICT Department, Group of 77.
