President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has officially relieved Colonel Abraham Kromah, Mr. Hassan Fadiga, and Mr. Gbawou Kowou from their respective positions as Director General, Deputy Director General for Operations, and Deputy Director General for Administration.
This decision comes on the heels of an investigation by the Ministry of Justice into events that unfolded at the LDEA headquarters on June 3, 2024, culminating in their suspension.
The announcement, made from the Executive Mansion in Monrovia, sets the stage for a crucial leadership transition as the country grapples with escalating drug-related issues. In a decisive move, President Boakai has nominated Mr. Anthony Suoh to take the helm as the new Director General of the LDEA, pending confirmation by the Liberian Senate. This transition is crucial, as it comes at a time when the agency faces mounting scrutiny over its effectiveness in combating the persistent influx of drugs and substance abuse within the country.
President Boakai emphasized the gravity of the situation during his address, stating, “The acts of disorder and chaos that took place at the headquarters of the LDEA were unacceptable.” He underscored that such conduct undermines public peace and severely hampers the government’s efforts to combat illicit drug activities. The President’s stern remarks reflect his commitment to ensuring that the LDEA operates with integrity and effectiveness in the face of a growing national crisis.
Senator Gbezongar Milton Findley of Grand Bassa County has been vocal in urging President Boakai to take decisive action regarding the leadership of the LDEA. Findley expressed grave concern over the absence of effective leadership at the agency, particularly given the rising tide of drug-related challenges in Liberia. He contends that the fight against drugs is vital to the country’s progress and cannot be won without a capable and directed agency at the forefront of this battle.
“The fight against drugs should not be merely conducted through empty political statements,” Findley declared. His comments highlight a common sentiment among citizens and lawmakers alike, who are growing weary of political rhetoric that fails to translate into tangible action. Since the agency’s leaders were suspended due to infighting that culminated in a severe standoff between Kromah and Fadiga, the need for effective leadership has become increasingly urgent.
The investigation that prompted the suspension was instigated by allegations from two dismissed deputies, Hassan Fadiga and Gbawou Kowou, concerning alleged misconduct within the agency. This inquiry aimed to address critical concerns about operational integrity and the capability of the LDEA to fulfill its mandate effectively.
Further compounding the urgency of the situation, Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely of Grand Gedeh County recently asserted that “Liberia has lost the war against illicit drugs.” His stark critique echoes a growing discontent with the government’s handling of drug issues, contrasting sharply with President Boakai’s declaration during his first State of the Nation Address that illegal drugs constitute a national emergency. Nimely’s assessment of the situation underscores the depth of the crisis, as drug-related problems continue to proliferate, with little indication of improvement.
Nimely, a former rebel leader turned senator, cautioned against the dangers of empty promises, arguing that the government’s actions must align with its rhetoric. “You cannot make pronouncements that you are unable to fulfill,” he criticized, pointing to the ongoing drug-related challenges as evidence of the government’s inability to follow through on its commitments.
In January, during the same State of the Nation Address, President Boakai characterized illicit drugs as a public health emergency. This assertion was bolstered by the launch of a public drug testing initiative involving government officials and the establishment of a presidential committee dedicated to combating drug abuse. However, as the situation continues to deteriorate, many are left questioning the effectiveness and sincerity of these initiatives.
As President Boakai navigates the complexities of this leadership transition, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the new direction of the LDEA under Mr. Anthony Suoh. The success of this appointment will be pivotal not only for the agency but also for the broader public health landscape in Liberia. With escalating drug abuse posing a threat to societal stability, it is imperative that the new leadership restores public confidence in the LDEA and reinvigorates the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
In conclusion, the changes within the LDEA represent a critical juncture for Liberia’s ongoing battle against illicit drugs. The effectiveness of Mr. Suoh’s leadership and the government’s commitment to tackling this pervasive issue will significantly impact the nation’s future. As public sentiment grows increasingly impatient with political inaction, the new Director General will be challenged to demonstrate both capability and resolve in addressing the drug crisis that continues to afflict the country.
