US-based Liberian advocate Grace Guar is calling for an independent investigation into Liberia’s security sector, saying allegations surrounding the country’s drug crisis have become too serious for the government to ignore.
Guar’s call comes amid growing public concern over alleged links between drug trafficking, business dealings, procurement transactions and individuals connected to Liberia’s security apparatus.
In a strongly worded statement, she questioned why President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has not ordered an independent probe into the allegations and the wider handling of Liberia’s drug crisis.
“It is getting concerning, something is terribly wrong,” Guar wrote. “With all the detailed information that Martin K. N. Kollie has provided in real time, it is deeply concerning that the president of Liberia has yet to demand an independent investigation into the entire security sector concerning this drug crisis in the country.”
Guar specifically raised allegations involving Francis Nagbe, whom she identified as allegedly using the name Yaw Langbo. She alleged that Nagbe is a Ghanaian national linked to a transnational criminal network and the Liberian drug trade.
She further alleged that Nagbe used a company identified as “DH Liberia” or “Dutch Health Liberia” to procure vehicles valued at about US$439,100, claiming that the company was not legally registered in Liberia.
“The company ‘DH Liberia’ is a scam; official Dutch Health B.V. has no ties with it,” Guar alleged, calling for the company’s legal status and its relationship with the Netherlands-based entity to be independently established.
Guar also alleged that Yaw Langbo was pursued by INTERPOL between 2010 and 2011 over fraud allegations and was imprisoned in Liberia before later changing his name to Francis Nagbe. She further claimed that he accumulated substantial wealth and owns properties in Liberia and Ghana.
The advocate also raised questions about Liberia’s Inspector General of Police, Gregory Coleman, alleging that he facilitated transactions and business dealings involving Nagbe and persons allegedly connected to the drug trade. The allegations against Coleman have not been established by a court.
Guar questioned the reported procurement process, alleging that established government institutions, including the General Services Agency and the Liberia National Police Procurement Unit, were bypassed in favor of DH Liberia.
She said the allegations warrant a thorough examination of procurement documents, company registration records, financial transactions and the relationships between the individuals and institutions named.
“The gravity of these allegations and the paper trail that come with them should call for immediate, transparent, and thorough action to restore public trust and ensure justice,” Guar said.
She added that Liberia’s future depends on confronting corruption and alleged cartel influence, particularly in areas involving national security.
Guar also expressed concern about the effect of the illegal drug trade on Liberian youth, calling for stronger and coordinated action to dismantle criminal networks involved in narcotics trafficking.
“The people of Liberia deserve nothing less than full accountability and decisive leadership to protect our nation and its youth from the devastating effects of this drug cartel,” she said.
Guar questioned whether the security sector has become insulated from public scrutiny, particularly in light of the quantities of narcotics reportedly seized in recent operations and the enormous financial values attached to some of the seizures.
“It seems the security sector in Liberia is completely untouchable when it comes to transparency,” she wrote. “If that is truly the case, then we deserve to know why.”
Addressing President Boakai directly, Guar asked: “President Boakai, what exactly is going on? Why has there been no decisive action or independent investigation into these serious allegations?”
She argued that an independent investigation would help separate fact from allegation and determine whether any public officials, businesses or individuals violated Liberia’s laws or procurement procedures.
“We cannot accept silence or inaction any longer,” Guar wrote, arguing that the alleged use of an unregistered and fraudulent company to bypass government procurement procedures would pose a serious threat to public accountability if proven.
Guar concluded with a direct appeal to the President: “Mr. President, why this silence? Do you not care about the Liberian people and the destiny of our children? If you truly care, then it is time to act.”
She also called the attention of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the US Embassy in Monrovia, FrontPage Africa, the BBC and CNN to the allegations, urging greater scrutiny of Liberia’s drug crisis and the questions surrounding the country’s security institutions.
The allegations contained in Guar’s statement have not been independently established. The individuals and institutions named in the statement have not been convicted by a court of the offenses alleged.
An independent investigation, as Guar is demanding, would provide an opportunity to examine the claims, verify the alleged paper trail and determine whether any wrongdoing occurred.
