The Government of Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the country’s security sector, with Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan assuring law enforcement agencies of continued support to improve their operations and effectiveness.
Speaking Friday at the graduation ceremony of 193 recruits from the Liberia National Police (LNP) Academy and Training School in Paynesville, Minister Ngafuan said the government recognizes the sacrifices made by security personnel and remains committed to providing the support needed to help them carry out their duties.
“I will personally serve as an ambassador for the security sector,” Ngafuan said. “We have seen that resources provided to our security institutions are being used properly, and the government will continue to support their work.”
The graduation ceremony brought together senior government officials, lawmakers, diplomats, security leaders, and development partners. The graduating class included 75 recruits from the Liberia National Police and 118 recruits from the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA).
LNP Inspector General Gregory O.W. Coleman challenged the new officers to uphold professionalism, integrity, and discipline as they begin their careers in law enforcement.
He described the graduation as an important achievement for Liberia’s security sector and reminded the recruits that they now have the responsibility to protect lives, enforce the law, maintain public order, and serve the Liberian people.
“Professional policing starts with professional training,” Coleman said. “Your uniforms are not symbols of power, but symbols of service. Wear them with pride, exercise your authority responsibly, and always respect the law.”
Coleman said public trust in law enforcement depends on accountability and ethical conduct. He urged the graduates to respect human rights, protect vulnerable citizens, and perform their duties fairly and professionally.
He also pointed to improvements at the Police Academy, describing it as a growing center for quality law enforcement training in Liberia.
Deputy Inspector General for Training and Manpower Development, Sadatu L.M. Reeves, congratulated the graduates for successfully completing the rigorous training program.
According to Reeves, the training was designed to prepare the recruits mentally, physically, and professionally for the demands of law enforcement service.
“The nation expects you to serve with integrity, courage, discipline, and respect for the rule of law,” she told the graduates, encouraging them to continue developing their skills throughout their careers.
Also speaking at the ceremony, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Joseph Zadrozny praised Liberia’s efforts to strengthen its law enforcement and counternarcotic institutions.
He described the graduation as a positive step toward improving public safety and reaffirmed the United States Government’s support for Liberia’s security sector reform efforts.
“The United States remains proud to partner with Liberia in building professional, accountable, and community-focused security institutions,” Zadrozny said.
Liberia’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh Sr., urged the graduates to remain committed to the rule of law and the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights.
He reminded the officers that the authority entrusted to them must always be exercised lawfully and with respect for the rights and dignity of every Liberian.
“The authority vested in you by the State must always be exercised within the bounds of the law. Your actions must reflect fairness, professionalism, and respect for the rights of all citizens,” Tweh said.
Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Veterans Affairs, Senator Momo Cyrus, warned the graduates against misconduct and abuse of authority.
He urged them to serve with professionalism and accountability, noting that public confidence in security institutions depends largely on the conduct of officers.
“The confidence citizens’ place in our security institutions must never be taken for granted. Your conduct will shape how the public views the institutions you represent,” Cyrus said.
Meanwhile, Inspector General Coleman called on the government and international partners to continue investing in training, infrastructure, technology, equipment, and personnel development.
He noted that emerging threats such as organized crime, drug trafficking, and cybercrime require modern and well-equipped law enforcement agencies.
“An investment in law enforcement is an investment in peace, public confidence, economic growth, and national development,” Coleman said.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the graduates, officially welcoming them into the ranks of the Liberia National Police and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency.
The newly commissioned officers are expected to be deployed across the country to support law enforcement operations, combat drug trafficking, maintain public order, and strengthen security in their communities.
