By Socrates Smythe Saywon
MONROVIA – Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh has called on President Joseph Boakai to take decisive action to stabilize the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) and strengthen the country’s fight against illicit drugs. In a statement issued on Thursday, August 28, 2025, Senator Konneh warned that ongoing leadership disruptions at the LDEA are undermining national efforts and leaving vulnerable citizens without necessary support.
“Please lead the fight against illicit drugs, Mr. President! The ongoing leadership crisis within the LDEA is once again distracting the nation from the urgent battle against illicit drugs,” Senator Konneh wrote. “The LDEA saga is making President Boakai’s administration look increasingly ineffective in fighting drugs, and hopelessness is spreading among citizens. Young users and individuals struggling with addiction, the true victims in this situation, need our support, not the neglect that has resulted from the mess at the LDEA.”
Konneh highlighted that the firing of top LDEA officials twice within 18 months has contributed to the instability. “The first step is to appoint qualified leadership for the Drug Enforcement Agency. The President’s decision to fire top DEA officials twice within 18 months can be attributed to political interference in the vetting of appointees by different factions in the President’s ruling alliance, and the infiltration of drug cartels,” he noted. He cited incidents including the suspension and transfer of officers who had arrested a Liberian woman at Roberts International Airport and the dismissal of the LDEA Deputy for Administration after exposing government officials’ involvement in the drug trade.
While acknowledging some decisiveness in the swift appointments and dismissals, Senator Konneh said more is required. “These actions are insufficient to fulfill the President’s campaign promise of ‘Kush Must Go!’ The Agency needs stability and professionalism to address the challenges it faces successfully,” he stated.
The Senator also urged the Boakai administration to develop a comprehensive plan to combat the drug crisis. “The plan should focus on both prevention and treatment. We need measures to address the social, economic, and legal challenges that have contributed to and perpetuated the drug epidemic. Enhancing health infrastructure with professional rehabilitation programs that target the root causes of addiction is essential,” he said. He further recommended strategies to crack down on trafficking, enforce drug laws, leverage technology, and collaborate with local and international partners.
Drawing parallels with past national crises, Senator Konneh said, “I equate the drug crisis to the Ebola epidemic we faced a decade ago. It impacted the entire region, which was complicated by our porous borders. But both the government and people learned from it and were able to swiftly curb the effects of COVID-19, five years later. We can do it again, drawing on the qualities we exhibited in those two instances: unity and resolve.”
Konneh also addressed legislative responsibilities, stating that while lawmakers confirm presidential appointments, their role is to create legal frameworks and oversee Executive initiatives. “Despite our written requests for updates on the fight against drugs sent to the Senate and the numerous hearings we have conducted with relevant institutions, we have seen little progress on this initiative,” he said. He emphasized that the legislature is reviewing existing drug laws and exploring ways to reallocate resources to support the President’s strategy.
Senator Konneh concluded with a call for presidential leadership. “Ultimately, it is the Commander-in-Chief who must take the lead by taking charge of the LDEA. The time to act is now. We need a clear plan and a solid team to implement it,” he stated.
