Grand Bassa County Senator Gbezongar Milton Finely has taken a definite position, calling on President Joseph Boakai to be decisive regarding the leadership of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA).
Senator Finely expressed serious concern about the absence of legitimate leadership at the LDEA amid the persistent influx of drugs and substance abuse in Liberia. The lawmaker believes that the fight against drugs, which is critical to Liberia’s forward march, cannot be realized if the sector’s agency is lacking direction and leadership.
The former Foreign Affairs Minister, who is now a Senator of Grand Bassa, believes the fight against drugs should not be merely conducted through empty political statements. Since the President suspended the heads of the institution due to internal disputes that led to a serious standoff between Director General Abraham Kromah and Deputy Director for Operations Hassan Fadiga, the situation has remained unresolved.
Following the suspension of these officials, the President set up an investigation team to look into the matter. The inquiry, which was prompted by allegations from two deputies—Deputy Director for Operations Hassan Fadiga and Deputy Director for Administration Gbawou Kowo—aimed to address concerns about alleged misconduct within the agency.
Senator Finely argues that the delay in appointing LDEA leadership is not a good sign “of a serious government that means well” in the fight against drugs. In June 2024, President Joseph N. Boakai suspended top officials of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) to restore order and accountability within the agency.
The suspended officials included Director General Abraham S. Kromah, Deputy Director General for Administration Gbawou Kowo, and Deputy Director General for Operations Hassan Fadiga. The suspension, effective immediately, was implemented without pay and will remain in place pending a comprehensive investigation.
Verity News has been informed that the investigation has been conducted, with a report on the President’s desk. It can be recalled that in the suspension notice, the President described the officials’ behaviors as “acts of disorder and chaos.” He emphasized that such behavior 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 lawmaker, however, reflected on the President’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA), during which he declared the fight against drugs a national emergency. According to Senator Finely, President Boakai should muster the courage to make a decision, noting that an Officer in Charge (OIC) can be appointed if they are deemed the most suitable.
Speaking from his office in the Capitol Building in Monrovia, Senator Finely argued that it is unfortunate for the President to make such declarations against drugs while not much is being done in reality by his government. “The President has to take a stance and resolve this matter. We cannot be fighting drugs while the main institution lacks leadership,” the Senator added.
He further recommended that the government exert more effort to curtail the importation of drugs, which he noted is the foundation leading to the sales and consumption of drugs in Liberia.
