Liberia: LDEA’s Officer-in Charge Resigns, Citing Need for Strategic Reforms and Support

Monrovia – Christopher K. Peters Thursday resigned from the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA) as Officer-In-Charge. In a heartfelt resignation letter addressed to His Excellency President Joseph N Boakai, Peters tendered his resignation, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people and country through the agency.

President Boakai on the 4th of June this year named Peters as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), following the suspension of Abraham S. Kromah, Director General, Hassan Fadiga, Deputy Director General for Operations and Gbawou Kowou, Deputy Director General for Administration. 

During his four months as OIC-LDEA, significant progress was made in seizing drugs valued at US$4 million and securing substantial imprisonment terms for convicted drug dealers and traffickers.

In his letter of resignation, Peters emphasized the importance of institutional reforms and maintaining a united and focused approach towards drug supply reduction, while also working on demand reduction through prevention and rehabilitation efforts.

However, he pointed out the critical issues plaguing the LDEA, including understaffing, low budgetary support, inadequate salaries, and lack of training and logistics.

“To effectively combat the drug trade, strategic reforms, additional staff recruitment, increased budget allocation, and support from key partners are essential”, the letter revealed.

The letter underscored the necessity of calm, professional, and team-building leadership to elevate the agency to its full potential.

In closing, the officer expressed gratitude to His Excellency for the opportunity but stated the need to return to the previous employment held before the appointment as OIC. The resignation will take effect on October 31, 2024, with a willingness to brief the incoming nominee to ensure a smooth transition and continuity of efforts, FrontPageAfrica gathered.