By Julius T. Jaesen, II
Contact: 0886661061/0777661061
Monrovia, Liberia, – August 22, 2024: Accusations against the suspended Director General of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Col. Abe Kromah, alleging administrative and structural mismanagement, among others, were investigated by the Special Independent Investigative Committee set up by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. These claims, made by Hassan Fadiga and Atty. Gbawou Kowou, were also directed to the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia and other diplomatic bodies. However, an independent investigation has revealed significant inconsistencies and potential falsehoods in the allegations. This news report delves into the key claims, the findings of the investigation, and the broader implications for the LDEA.
Administrative and Structural Breakdown
Hassan Fadiga and Atty. Gbawou Kowou accused Col. Kromah of contributing to the administrative and structural breakdown of the LDEA. However, independent investigation contradicted these claims, indicating that Col. Kromah has operated within the boundaries of the Act that governs the LDEA. According to the Act, the Director General has the authority to hire positions below the two Deputy Directors for Operations and Administration, a power Kromah exercised responsibly.
Contrary to the allegations, Col. Kromah has maintained an open and consultative management style, making operational decisions in collaboration with the Deputy for Administration. The report emphasised that recent restructuring, including the rotation of commanders and vetting of action agents (AAs), was a strategic move to enhance the agency’s efficiency and align with President Boakai’s ARREST agenda. This restructuring was done professionally, with proper communication to the office of the Minister of Justice.
Allegations of Nepotism in Hiring
Fadiga and Kowou also alleged that Col. Kromah hired Mr. Prince Woods due to political favoritism towards Samuel Kofi Woods, the National Security Advisor to the President. This accusation not only questioned the professionalism of Mr. Woods but also cast aspersions on the office of the Security Advisor. However, it was established during the course of the investigation that Mr. Woods was hired based on merit, particularly his voluntary contributions to the fight against drugs and his leadership in community outreach. The inclusion of other professionals in the LDEA rebranding efforts further underscores that the hiring process was conducted with professionalism, not political bias.
Ex-Fighters for Firearm Training
The most serious allegation against Col. Kromah was the purported selection of ex-fighters for firearm training. This claim was thoroughly debunked during the investigation led by the panel set up by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai. Col. Kromah categorically denied submitting any list for firearm training, stating that he only submitted the names of the two deputies to the Liberian National Police (LNP) for firearm issuance. The investigation found no evidence to support the claim that ex-fighters were being trained under Kromah’s directive. Moreover, the investigation found no basis for allegations of religious or ethnic bias within the agency. The LDEA, under Kromah’s leadership, has operated on a merit-based system, ensuring that all positions were filled by qualified individuals and rejecting those with human rights violation records.
Claims of Militia Group Training
Fadiga and Kowou further accused Col. Kromah of training a militia group to take over the LDEA. Col. Kromah clarified that during the recent elections, individuals deployed to protect the votes of the Unity Party’s presidential candidate returned to Monrovia and expressed interest in joining the LDEA. However, they were not employed, leading to dissatisfaction among them. Kromah asserted that if he had intended to hire them without proper vetting, he could have done so, but he chose to act with prudence. The investigation found no evidence to support the claim that these individuals were being trained as a militia group.
Stand Down Order and Operational Restrictions
Another point of contention was the alleged stand-down order issued by Col. Kromah. According to Kromah, his leadership inherited a broken system with poor operational accountability. To address these issues, he implemented control mechanisms that restored professionalism within the LDEA. This included halting raids temporarily to conduct thorough reviews and evaluations of the operational process. The result was the indictment of 18 individuals within four months, compared to no indictments during the previous six-year leadership.
Corruption Allegations and Collaboration with Drug Dealers
Perhaps the most damaging allegations were those of corruption and collaboration with drug dealers. Col. Kromah strongly denied these claims, describing them as malicious attempts to tarnish his reputation. He noted that under his leadership, the LDEA had indicted 18 drug suspects in just four months and had taken legal action against drug traffickers. The investigation into these allegations revealed that they were part of a broader smear campaign orchestrated by Fadiga and Kowou.
The accusations of collusion with a notorious drug lord known as “God Lord” were particularly concerning. Col. Kromah disclosed that Fadiga breached a serious security protocol by leaking classified information related to the case. The investigation found that this breach compromised the integrity of the operation and was part of an effort to discredit Kromah’s leadership.
International Relations and Support
Finally, Fadiga and Kowou claimed that the LDEA, under Kromah’s leadership, had lost support from international partners, including the UNODC. This was also found to be false. Col. Kromah provided evidence that the LDEA maintained strong relationships with international partners, including the UNODC, which continued to provide support for staff training and drug verification processes. The suspension of uniform issuance, mentioned in the deputies’ complaint, was a decision made before Kromah’s appointment and was not a reflection of his leadership.
The allegations leveled against Col. Abe Kromah by his two deputies, Hassan Fadiga and Atty. Gbawou Kowou, have been thoroughly investigated and found to be largely baseless. The evidence suggests that these accusations are part of a broader campaign to undermine Kromah’s leadership and disrupt the ongoing reforms within the LDEA. While the allegations have generated significant public interest, the investigation has shown that Col. Kromah’s actions have been consistent with the legal and ethical standards expected of his position. His commitment to transparency, accountability, and the fight against drug trafficking in Liberia remains unshaken.
Independent Analyses into the Unsubstantiated Allegations and the Independent Investigative Committee’s Recommendations
In a saga that has gripped the public’s attention, the recent independent investigation into allegations against the suspended Director-General of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Col. Abraham Kromah, has reached a decisive conclusion. The Independent Investigative Committee has not only exonerated Col. Kromah but also recommended his reinstatement to his position. This outcome shines a glaring spotlight on the baseless and poorly substantiated claims made by his deputies, Mr. Hassan Fadiga and Atty. Gbawou Kowou.
From the outset, it was clear that the accusations levied by Fadiga and Kowou were riddled with inconsistencies and lacked concrete evidence. The allegations ranged from claims of administrative and structural breakdown within the LDEA to charges of corruption, collaboration with drug dealers, and even the formation of a militia group. These charges, serious as they may sound, began to unravel under the scrutiny of the independent investigation.
One of the most glaring issues with Fadiga and Kowou’s accusations was their inability to provide any substantiated evidence to support their claims. For instance, their assertion that Col. Kromah had selected ex-fighters for firearm training was easily debunked by the investigative panel. Not only did Col. Kromah deny these claims, but the investigation revealed that the only names submitted for firearm training were those of the two deputies themselves. The notion that Col. Kromah was building a militia group within the LDEA was similarly discredited, exposing the accusations as nothing more than an attempt to generate public outrage and undermine his leadership.
The independent investigation, conducted with the utmost transparency and diligence, systematically dismantled the claims made by Fadiga and Kowou. The Committee’s findings affirmed that Col. Kromah’s actions as Director-General were in full compliance with the LDEA Act, which delineates the authority and responsibilities of the Director-General. Contrary to the deputies’ allegations of a breakdown in the agency’s structure, the investigation found that Col. Kromah had actually strengthened the agency by decentralizing operations and implementing a more robust supervisory framework.
Furthermore, the investigation found no evidence of religious or ethnic bias under Col. Kromah’s leadership. The LDEA was shown to operate on a merit-based system, free of the xenophobic and sectarian tendencies that Fadiga and Kowou implied. In fact, it was revealed that Fadiga himself had connections to an individual dismissed from the LDEA on grounds of human rights violations, casting further doubt on his credibility and motives.
Perhaps the most damaging accusations against Col. Kromah were those of corruption and collaboration with drug dealers. These claims, however, crumbled under scrutiny. Col. Kromah’s leadership was marked by a significant increase in drug-related indictments—18 suspects in just four months, compared to the mere single indictment during the previous administration’s six-year tenure. This stark contrast between the leadership records of Col. Kromah and his predecessors underscores the absurdity of the corruption allegations.
The investigation also exposed the hypocrisy of Fadiga and Kowou, who accused Col. Kromah of colluding with a notorious drug lord known as “god lord.” In a twist of irony, it was revealed that Fadiga himself had breached security protocols by leaking classified information related to this case to the media, thereby jeopardizing a critical investigation. Such actions point to a pattern of sabotage rather than legitimate concern for the agency’s integrity.
The issue of operational restrictions, which Fadiga and Kowou cited as evidence of Col. Kromah’s inefficiency, was another area where their arguments fell apart. The investigation revealed that these restrictions were a necessary measure to restore operational accountability within the LDEA. The agency had been plagued by a broken system with poor oversight, leading to abuses by volunteer staff. Col. Kromah’s decision to implement stricter control mechanisms not only restored professionalism but also garnered praise from international partners, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
At the heart of this entire episode lies a tale of insecurity and political ambition. Fadiga and Kowou, unable to adapt to the increased accountability and operational efficiency under Col. Kromah’s leadership, resorted to fabricating charges in an attempt to remove him from power. Their actions were driven not by a desire to improve the LDEA but by a personal vendetta against a leader who was rapidly transforming the agency into a more effective force against drug trafficking.
The Independent Investigative Committee’s report, which has vindicated Col. Kromah, serves as a testament to the strength of transparency and accountability in governance. It also sends a clear message that baseless accusations and smear campaigns will not succeed in derailing the progress of Liberia’s institutions.
The Committee’s recommendation for President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to reinstate Col. Kromah is not just a victory for the man himself but also for the principles of justice and good governance. It is a reminder that in the face of adversity and falsehoods, the truth will ultimately prevail. Col. Kromah’s commitment to the fight against drugs and his steadfast adherence to the law have been affirmed, and his reinstatement would be a step towards ensuring that the LDEA continues its crucial work under strong and principled leadership.
