Finance and Development Planning Minister, Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, has recommitted government to strengthen the security sector.
Ngafuan described the security sector as a critical pillar of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development.
He spoke at the graduation ceremony of the newly trained Liberia National Police (LNP) Basic Recruit Class 47, and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) Basic Recruit Class three.
The Friday’s (June 12) ceremony was held at the Police Academy in Paynesville, outside Monrovia.
Ngafuan praised the leadership of the security sector for effectively utilizing government resources to improve training facilities and enhance institutional capacity.
Meanwhile, a total of 193 officers from the LNP and LDEA were commissioned and sworn into service.
“I came here as a keynote speaker, but I also came on an advanced budget hearing.”
Mr. Ngafuan remarked after touring the newly renovated facilities at the Academy.
“What I saw demonstrates that the resources government has provided are being wisely used. The transformation here is evidence that progress is being made.”
Ngafuan acknowledged the competing demands for limited national resources, but assured the security sector that government remains committed to improve conditions of services for men and women in uniform.
He also commended the growing collaboration between the LNP and the LDEA. He cited the recent seizure of cocaine valued at approximately US$19 million as a testament to effective inter-agency cooperation, which he described as a critical factor to address evolving security threats, particularly narcotics trafficking, and encouraged continue joint operations and intelligence sharing.
He meanwhile, reaffirmed the government commitment to improve conditions of service for uniformed personnel.
Ngafuan placed strong emphasis on ethics, discipline and leadership, thus waring that financial inducements from criminal networks pose a persistent risk, but it can only be countered through strong personal values and professional integrity.
“Service in uniform must be defined by character. Integrity is the foundation of public trust and the ultimate defense against corruption.”
Ngafuan further emphasized the importance of leadership at all levels, urging officers to maintain professionalism in their interactions with superiors, peers and subordinates to foster a culture of mutual respect and accountability.
He described drug abuse as a critical national challenge, particularly among young people. He meanwhile called for sustained vigilance and commitment from LDEA officers, “because narcotics enforcement is central to protect the social fabric and future workforce.
To the graduates, Ngafuan added: “We can never pay you as much as drug dealers will pay you to tempt you. It is your values that must make you strong enough to resist temptation. You should wear the uniform not only on your body but also in your character.”
He assured the graduates that government will continue to support law enforcement institutions as they combat crime, drug trafficking and other threats to national security.
United States Charge d’ Affaires Ambassador, Joseph Zadrony, underscored the strong partnership between Liberia and the United States in advancing security sector reform and strengthening law enforcement institutions.
“Development cannot take root where insecurity thrives. The rule of law is not a backdrop to prosperity, but a precondition for prosperity.”
The US diplomat praised the security institutions for their progress and highlighted the recent interception of 198 compressed plates of cocaine valued at more than US$19 million at Roberts International Airport as evidence of the effectiveness of sustained US-Liberia cooperation through training, mentorship and logistical support.
“That result is not an accident. It is a dividend of years of sustained US-Liberia investment through training, mentorship and equipping. It proves that friendship builds real capacity, protects Liberian communities and degrades the capacity of criminal networks.”
He reaffirmed the United States’ longstanding support for both the LNP and the LDEA, describing the graduating officers as essential contributors to peace, stability and development.
Earlier, Justice Minister and Attorney General, Oswald Tweh said, justice begins with professional and ethical law enforcement.
Tweh noted that the effectiveness of justice system depends heavily on the integrity and competence of police and drug enforcement officers.
Inspector General of Police, Gregory Coleman, described the graduation as a proud moment for the security institutions, and challenged the graduates to serve with honor, integrity and dedication.
LDEA Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sam Biago, reminded the graduates of their responsibility to protect Liberian communities from the devastating effects of illicit drugs and organized crime, while Training Commandant DCP, Sadiattu Reeves, highlighted significant improvements at the Police Training Academy, and reported the successful graduation of 193 officers from both institutions.
Macpherson C. Marbiah writes/0886442881-0777250370