The President also announced the nomination of Mr. Anthony Suoh as the new Director General of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate.
Monrovia – President Joseph Boakai has come under staunch criticism over his refusal to release the investigative report that led to the dismissal of officials of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency.
Over the weekend, President Boakai relieved Colonel Abraham Kromah of his position as Director General of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), along with Mr. Hassan Fadiga and Mr. Gbawou Kowou, who held the positions of Deputy Director General for Operations and Deputy Director General for Administration, respectively.
By Edwin Genoway, [email protected]
In a release, the Executive Mansion said these actions follow a report from the Ministry of Justice detailing an investigation into a disturbance at the LDEA headquarters on June 3, 2024, which resulted in the suspension of the former leadership.
The President also announced the nomination of Mr. Anthony Suoh as the new Director General of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate.
Despite the president’s authority under Article 56 of the Liberian Constitution, which grants him the power to dismiss executive officials at will, concerns have been raised about the lack of communication regarding the investigation’s outcomes. Observers argue that the president should share the report with the public to ensure accountability and clarity regarding the reasons behind the dismissals.
“We expected the president to utilize the report to inform us about our individual standings,” stated Mr. Gbawou Kowou, who expressed surprise at learning of his dismissal through social media rather than direct communication. He acknowledged the president’s constitutional rights but emphasized the importance of transparency in governance.
Mr. Kromah, the former Director General, declined to comment on the dismissal, stating he had no further information on the matter. Efforts to reach Mr. Hassan Fadiga for his perspective were unsuccessful.
The dismissal of the LDEA officials raises broader questions about governance and the expectations of public officials in Liberia. As the public awaits clarity, the president’s silence on the committee’s findings may undermine trust in his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
As it stands, the nation watches closely, hoping for a resolution that not only addresses the leadership issues within the LDEA but also upholds the democratic principles expected from its leaders.
