MONROVIA – President Joseph N. Boakai has suspended, with immediate effect and without pay, the Director General and two Deputy Directors at the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA). This decisive action was announced in a press release issued on the evening of June 4, 2024, and signed by Anthony V. Kesselly, Deputy Minister of State for Public Affairs.
The suspended officials include the Director General, Mr. Abraham S. Kromah, the Deputy Director General for Administration, Mr. Gbawou Kowou, and the Deputy Director General for Operations, Mr. Hassan Fadiga. The suspensions come in the wake of chaotic events at the LDEA headquarters on June 3, 2024, which President Boakai condemned as “unacceptable.” He emphasized that such disorder threatens public peace and undermines the government’s efforts in combating illicit drugs.
In response to the incident, President Boakai has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the turmoil. In the interim, Mr. Christopher Peters has been appointed as Officer in Charge (OIC) of the LDEA. Peters is a highly recommended and well-trained security professional expected to stabilize the agency during the investigation.
The suspension follows ongoing public discontent and vocal criticism regarding the infighting between Kromah and Fadiga, which has brought disrepute to their offices. The Monday incident further fueled public outrage, leading to President Boakai’s swift intervention to restore order and credibility within the LDEA.
President Boakai’s decision underscores his administration’s commitment to maintaining order and integrity within government agencies, particularly those involved in the critical fight against drug trafficking. The public and stakeholders await the findings of the investigation and the subsequent actions to be taken to ensure that the LDEA operates effectively and with the highest standards of professionalism.
