Kamara's

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

President Boakai Dismisses LDEA Top Officials for Administrative Reasons,
Appoints Interim Management Team

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Executive Mansion, Monrovia – President Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., has, for administrative
reasons and with immediate effect, dismissed the following officials of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA):

1. Director General, Mr. Anthony K. Souh
2. Deputy Director General for Administration, Mr. Gwee K. Porkpah
3. Deputy Director General for Operations, Mr. Sebastian Farr

The President has at the same time appointed an Interim Management Team to steer the affairs of the LDEA pending further actions and the appointment of a new management team. The Interim Team comprises:
1. DCP. Fitzgerald T. M. Biago of the Liberia National Police (LNP), to serve as
Officer-in-Charge (OIC)
2. Mr. Ernest T. Tarpeh, Assistant Director for Special Services, National Security Agency (NSA), to serve as Deputy for Administration/Investigation

3.ACP. Patrick B. Kormazu of the Liberia National Police, to serve 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 expressed confidence that the officials seconded to the Interim Team
will demonstrate professionalism, diligence, commitment, and integrity in the ex*****on
of their duties.

He emphasized that this decisive action is intended to strengthen Liberia’s
collective resolve in eradicating the scourge of illicit drugs and substances in the country.

“This action,” the President stressed, “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 President 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.

Signed:
Atty. Kula Bonah Nyei Fofana
Presidential Press Secretary
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With Ome Ga – I'm on a streak! I've been a top fan for 13 months in a row. 🎉

LDEA Chief of Operations Suspended Amid Audio Scandal

In a move underscoring the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency’s (LDEA) commitment to accountability, Director General Hon. Anthony K. Souh has suspended Chief of Operations Abraham O. Payne (U-704) after the release of an audio recording allegedly implicating him in a serious breach of duty.

The audio, which has sparked public debate, allegedly captures Payne instructing a junior officer to free his daughter, who had reportedly been detained in a ghetto during an operation. The recording also suggests that Payne threatened the officer when he insisted on following standard procedures.

Agency’s Firm Stance on Integrity

The LDEA, in an official statement, expressed strong disapproval of such alleged conduct, warning that any action undermining the Agency’s integrity will not be tolerated. “Such behavior, if verified, compromises the fight against illicit drugs and erodes public trust,” the statement noted.

Payne’s suspension is immediate, and the matter has been referred to the Board of Internal Inquiry and Professional Standards (BIIPS) for a full investigation. The LDEA has assured the public that findings from the inquiry will be made available once the process is complete.

Zero Tolerance Policy Reaffirmed

Reiterating its commitment to professionalism, the LDEA emphasized that no officer—regardless of rank or status—is above the law. “Our mandate to protect Liberia from the scourge of illicit drugs is paramount, and we will continue to uphold the highest standards of conduct,” the Agency stated.

This development comes at a critical time for the LDEA, as it works to strengthen public trust and combat rising drug-related challenges across the country.

Alhamdulillah 🙏

"Security Tightened at Liberia National Police Headquarters Ahead of Lawmakers' Appearance

Security has been vigorously heightened around the Headquarters of the Liberia National Police in anticipation of the appearance of seven lawmakers, including former Speaker Fonati Koffa. The lawmakers were summoned in connection with the December burning of the Capitol Building.

Barricades, checkpoints, and strict screening measures are in place for individuals seeking access to the Police Headquarters.

Information has gathered that the summoned lawmakers particularly those from the opposition are expected to be escorted by groups of supporters."

Hmm 🤔