Pres Joseph Boakai Dismisses Top LDEA Officials After Linked Audio Indicates Compromises Among Officers
August 26, 2025
Pres Boakai has dismissed top LDEA Officials for Administrative Reasons hours after a linked audio surfaced on social media indicating compromises between officers of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency.
According to the Liberian President, the decisive action is intended to strengthen Liberia’s
collective resolve in eradicating the scourge of illicit drugs and substances in the country.
Pres. Boakai stressed “This action is aimed at strengthening our collective resolve
and actions in achieving a country free of illicit drugs and substances, a task that the
Government is committed to sustaining so as to effect a reversal of the current
unacceptable situation.”
The chief of operation was heard in a linked audio ordering his under men to release his daughter who was allegedly caught with drugs.
Those dismissed are Director General, Mr. Anthony K. Souh, Deputy Director General for Administration, Mr. Gwee K. Porkpah and Deputy Director General for Operations, Mr. Sebastian Farr.
President Joseph Boakai has with immediate effect suspended the Liberian Drug Enforcement Agency boss Abraham Kromah and all his deputies for acts of disorder and chaos at the headquarters of the institution.
President Joseph Boakai in June of 2024, suspended former Director General, Abraham Kromah and his deputies, Gbawou Kowou, and Mr. Hassan Fadiga after series of altercation between Abraham Kromah and his deputies for what the President termed as acts of disorder and chaos at the LDEA headquarters thereby halting their salaries and ordering an investigation
The President at the time named Mr. Christopher Peters, as Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Agency pending the conclusion and outcome of the investigation.
The President has again appointed an Interim Management Team to steer the affairs of the LDEA pending further actions and the appointment of a new management team. DCP. Fitzgerald T. M. Biago Officer-in-Charge of the Liberia National Police
Mr. Ernest T. Tarpeh, Assistant Director for Special Services, National Security Agency (NSA), acting as Deputy for Administration/Investigation and ACP. Patrick B. Kormazu of the Liberia National Police serving as Deputy for Operations
The Interim Management Team will regularly report to the Minister of Justice, who in turn
will keep the President fully updated on the operations and performance of the LDEA.
President Boakai has however expressed confidence that the officials seconded to the Interim Team will demonstrate professionalism, diligence, commitment, and integrity in the execution of their duties. He urged the Interim Team to redouble efforts in preventing the inflow of illicit drugs, combating drug trafficking and distribution, and dismantling drug networks across the country.
He further noted that drug and substance abuse pose existential threats to Liberia’s future, especially its children, while fueling crime, violence, and instability. Meanwhile, the President has mandated the Minister of Justice to conduct a comprehensive review of the structure, functions, and operations of the LDEA and submit a report with recommendations within ninety (90) days.
