By Julius T. Jaesen, II

MONROVIA – Though suspended by President Joseph Boakai for being embroiled in altercations on duty, the three most senior officers of the Liberia Drug Agency have been undergoing investigation ordered by the president.

As the investigation continued, the Director General of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) was confronted with a barrage of allegations made against him by his two deputies, Hassan Fadiga and Gbawou Kowo.

The allegations, which also spilled over into social media, have sparked considerable controversy and public scrutiny of the agency’s operations.

Taking the investigative stand, Kromah began by expressing his regret over the incident that took place at the LDEA headquarters on June 3, 2024, acknowledging the negative impact it had on the agency’s image.

“Although I did not initiate or instigate the event, it brought the agency’s image to the public which has hurt our operations,” he said.

The LDEA Director General described a history of professional discord with his deputies.

“I have complained in the past due to the level of disregard that Mr. Fadiga and Mr. Kowo have displayed towards me,” he told investigators.

This tension culminated in a heated confrontation on June 3, during which Kromah alleged he was verbally attacked and feared a physical assault.

“I thank God first for his shield of protection and my bodyguards for their swift response,” Kromah said, criticizing his deputy, Fadiga, for incendiary comments in the agency’s internal chatroom – screenshots of which he exhibited for review. “I was advised at the time that the situation would be handled.”

Addressing the structural and administrative criticisms, Kromah defended his leadership and adherence to the LDEA Act.

He explained the necessity of overhauling the agency’s leadership structure to improve performance, which included adding five assistant directors.

“This restructuring was done professionally and in consultation with my deputies,” he asserted.

Kromah also refuted claims of favoritism in the hiring of Mr. Prince Woods. He underscored Woods’ voluntary contributions and leadership in community engagement.

“Mr. Woods’ selection was based purely on professionalism and his ability to contribute to the ARREST agenda,” Kromah stated.

On the topic of ex-fighters undergoing firearm training, Kromah firmly denied submitting any such list, labeling the claim as baseless.

He emphasized the agency’s merit-based, non-discriminatory hiring practices and condemned the allegations as “xenophobic”.

“These are xenophobic claims by two men who have displayed an attitude of insecurity by my presence,” he said.

Kromah also addressed the training of a purported militia group, explaining that individuals referred to were tactical officers seeking employment at the LDEA.

He denied any illegal hiring practices, describing the deputies’ claims as “a grave allegation”.

Regarding operational restrictions, Kromah revealed efforts to restore professionalism within the agency, which led to 18 indictments within four months.

“These measures have successfully achieved our objectives,” he stated, contrasting this with the previous administration’s record.

In response to allegations of corruption and collaboration with drug dealers, Kromah called for an investigation and presented evidence contradicting the claims.

He criticized the deputies for breaching security protocols and misusing classified information.

“This is a grandiose smear campaign against my character and my long-standing career as a law enforcement officer,” he lamented.

Kromah affirmed the LDEA’s strong relationships with international partners like the UNODC and the US State Department.

He refuted claims of underperformance and highlighted the agency’s improved arrest record.

“Contrary to the assertion that our performance fell below the record of the George Weah administration during the first quarter, we have overperformed,” he stated.

Kromah described the allegations as baseless and motivated by people with personal ambition.

He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability and welcomed any further investigation into the matter.

“I remain committed to transparency and accountability and welcome any further investigation,” he asserted.