President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr. has suspended top officials of Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA).
The move gears towards restoring order and accountability within the LDEA
The suspended officials include Director General Abraham S. Kromah, Deputy Director General for Administration Gbawou Kowou, and Deputy Director General for Operations Hassan Fadiga. This suspension, effective immediately, is without pay and will remain in place pending a comprehensive investigation.
The suspension follows a tumultuous incident at the LDEA headquarters on June 3, 2024, which President Boakai described as “acts of disorder and chaos.” Such behavior, he emphasized, is not only unacceptable but also poses a significant threat to public peace and undermines the government’s robust efforts to combat illicit drug activities.
The President’s firm stance reflects his commitment to upholding the integrity and effectiveness of national security agencies.
In the wake of these events, President Boakai has appointed Christopher Peters as the Officer in Charge (OIC) of the LDEA. Peters, a highly trained and respected security professional, is tasked with steering the agency through this period of transition.
His appointment is expected to bring stability and renewed focus to the LDEA’s critical mission of drug enforcement and public safety.
Deputy Minister of State for Public Affairs, Anthony V. Kesselly, reiterated the President’s message, emphasizing that the investigation will be thorough and impartial. “The President has ordered an investigation into the events that transpired at the LDEA on June 3, 2024. The findings will determine the next steps and necessary actions to ensure accountability and reinforce the rule of law.”
This decisive action by President Boakai underscores the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct within governmental agencies. The chaos at the LDEA headquarters has sparked widespread concern, highlighting the need for stringent oversight and discipline within the agency tasked with fighting the country’s drug epidemic.
The investigation will not only focus on the specific incidents of June 3 but will also examine broader issues of leadership and management within the LDEA. There is a growing demand for transparency and accountability, and the President’s swift response aims to reassure the public of the government’s commitment to these principles.
As the LDEA undergoes this critical period of scrutiny and restructuring, the appointment of Christopher Peters as OIC is seen as a strategic move. Peters’ extensive background in security operations and his strong reputation within the law enforcement community are expected to provide the necessary leadership to navigate the agency through these challenges.
The public and stakeholders within Liberia’s security sector will be closely watching the developments of this investigation. The outcomes will likely have significant implications for the future operations of the LDEA and the broader fight against drug trafficking and abuse in Liberia.
President Boakai’s prompt and decisive actions reflect a deep commitment to maintaining law and order, ensuring public trust, and reinforcing the integrity of Liberia’s governmental institutions. The forthcoming investigation will be critical in addressing the issues at the LDEA and setting a precedent for accountability and excellence in public service.
