Boakai Dismisses Three Officials, Suspends Three Others By: Julius Konton

 President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has officially relieved Colonel Abraham Kromah, Hassan Fadiga, and Gbawou Kowou of their respective positions as Director General, Deputy Director General for Operations, and Deputy Director General for Administration of the LDEA. The decision followed the report submitted by the Ministry of Justice on an investigation conducted on the events that transpired at the LDEA headquarters on June 3, 2024 that led to their suspension.  President Boakai reiterated that “the acts of disorder and chaos that took place at the headquarters of the LDEA were unacceptable.”  He emphasized that such actions jeopardize public peace and weaken the Government’s efforts in combating illicit drugs. President Boakai used the occasion to call on all appointed officials within the Government to adhere to the highest standards of diligence, commitment, integrity, professionalism, and loyalty in their service to the nation. Meanwhile, President Boakai has nominated Anthony Suoh as Director General of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA). His appointment is subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate. At the same time, President Boakai has suspended with immediate effect, three senior officials of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) following serious allegations of financial misconduct. Those suspended are the Executive Director, Patrick Worzie; Deputy Executive Director for Operations, Richard Hoff; and Deputy Executive Director for Administration, AJ Armah Karneh.  The suspensions take immediate effect and will remain in place, without pay, pending a thorough investigation by the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC).b The report submitted to the Office of the President detailed questionable financial transactions involving these officials and others within the LRRRC. The President has further instructed that all affected personnel surrender government and LRRRC assets to the Commission’s Human Resource Director who shall act in the immediacy. The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission is directed to initiate a full investigation into the allegations. The suspended officials are expected to cooperate with the LACC to ensure a swift and transparent investigation. President Boakai said he remains dedicated to ensuring ethical governance and accountability and the promotion of transparency in all government institutions. Meanwhile, President Boakai, Sr. has appointed Mr. Jackson J. Paye as Officer in Charge (OIC) and Mr. Joseph Boye Cooper as Interim Deputy Director for Operations of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC), effective immediately. The newly appointed interim leadership is entrusted with managing the operations of the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) during this transitional period.  Their mandate includes ensuring the Institution’s stability and functionality, addressing the needs of refugees and repatriated individuals, and maintaining the Commission’s critical services to the public. Additionally, the interim leadership is expected to work closely with the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission to support its investigation into recent administrative matters. President Boakai emphasized that this interim leadership must exemplify the highest standards of ethical conduct, reflecting the Government’s dedication to restoring public trust and fostering a culture of ntegrity across public institutions. The President urged Mr. Paye, Mr. Cooper, and their team to navigate this period with diligence, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to the nation’s best interests. President Boakai called on all appointed officials to uphold diligence, commitment, integrity, professionalism, and loyalty in their service to the country.