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Monrovia – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has accepted the immediate resignation of Mr. Christopher S. Peters, Sr. as Officer-in-Charge of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA).
By Edwin Genoway, Edwin.genoway@frontpageafricaonline.
Mr. Peters resigned on Thursday after almost four months into the role. In his resignation letter, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the nation and the LDEA.
According to a release from the Executive Mansion on Thursday, President Boakai thanked Mr. Peters for his dedicated service, during which he led key initiatives such as the seizure of illicit drugs worth US$4 million and the securing of long-term prison sentences for convicted drug traffickers in Liberia. The President acknowledged Mr. Peters’ contributions to the fight against drug trafficking and wished him success in his future endeavors, the release said.
In the same release, President Boakai announced the appointment of Mr. Anthony Souh as Acting Director General of the LDEA. Mr. Souh previously served in the same capacity during the Sirleaf-Boakai administration. The President expressed full confidence in Mr. Souh’s ability to lead with commitment, loyalty, and dedication as the administration continues its efforts to combat the drug crisis and enhance the LDEA’s operational capacity.
Why Peters Resigned
Christopher S. Peters tendered his resignation on Thursday, stepping down from his role as Officer-in-Charge of the LDEA. In his letter addressed to President Boakai, Peters expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve the people of Liberia through the agency.
Peters was appointed Officer-in-Charge on June 4, 2024, after the suspension of Director General Abraham S. Kromah, Deputy Director General for Operations Hassan Fadiga, and Deputy Director General for Administration Gbawou Kowou. During his four-month tenure, Peters spearheaded operations that led to the seizure of drugs valued at US$4 million and the conviction of several drug traffickers.
The LDEA is understaffed and confronted with repeated low budgetary support, low salaries, and huge salary disparities, including lack of adequate training and logistics. To win the war on Drugs, LDEA will need strategic reforms, training, and employment of additional staffers, adequate budget, logistics, and support from key partners. At the summit of these, calm, not impulsive, mature professional and a team building leadership will be required to move the Agency to its noblest height.
Christopher K. Peters, Officer-in-Charge, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency
In his resignation letter, Peters emphasized the importance of institutional reforms and maintaining a unified and focused approach to reducing drug supply while also tackling demand through prevention and rehabilitation. However, he highlighted significant challenges within the LDEA, such as understaffing, inadequate budgetary support, low salaries, and insufficient training and logistics.
He said: “The LDEA is understaffed and confronted with repeated low budgetary support, low salaries, and huge salary disparities, including lack of adequate training and logistics. To win the war on Drugs, LDEA will need strategic reforms, training, and employment of additional staffers, adequate budget, logistics, and support from key partners. At the summit of these, calm, not impulsive, mature professional and a team building leadership will be required to move the Agency to its noblest height.” – Christopher K. Peters, Officer-in-Charge, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency
Peters also noted the need to return to his previous employment and expressed his willingness to ensure a smooth transition by briefing his successor. He had scheduled his resignation to officially take effect on October 31, 2024. However, with the pronouncement that the Souh’s appointment takes immediate effect, Peters will have no option but to leave immediately.
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