By: Frank P. Martin
MONROVIA: Grand Bassa County Representative, Thomas Goshua, has called for an increment in the budget of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA).
Goshua, who represents District #5, indicated that an enhanced budget is essential for the LDEA to effectively combat the problem of narcotic drugs in Liberia.
Speaking via a local radio talk show in Monrovia recently, Goshua highlighted the urgent need for increased financial support to bolster the LDEA’s capabilities.
He expressed concern that the agency’s current budget constraints are hindering its efforts to address the escalating drug crisis.
“The rise of narcotic drugs is increasingly compromising the future of our young people and the stability of our nation,” Goshua stated.
He emphasized that the drug issue has reached national emergency level and requires concerted efforts from all Liberians to address it.
Goshua shared a personal anecdote about his own family, revealing that his son, a graduate of Salvation Army School, once struggled with drug addiction.
He credited his son’s recovery to timely intervention and rehabilitation, underscoring his personal stake in the fight against drug abuse.
The Representative also voiced concerns over alleged budgetary malpractices by some lawmakers, suggesting that such actions undermine the credibility of the Legislature.
He called for a thorough investigation and pledged to publicly name any lawmakers involved in financial misconduct.
Additionally, Goshua expressed frustration with President Joseph N. Boakai’s delay in releasing a critical report from the Ministry of Justice involving suspended LDEA officials.
On June 4, 2024, President Joseph Boakai suspended the Liberian Drug Enforcement Agency boss, Abraham Kromah, and all his deputies, including Gbawou Kowou, and the Deputy Director General for Operations, Mr. Hassan Fadiga, for acts of disorder and chaos at the headquarters of the institution.
The Liberian President also stopped salary payment for Abraham Kromah and his three deputies, ordering an investigation into the chaotic incident that took placed at the headquarters of the Liberian Drug Enforcement Agency-LDEA on Monday, June 3, 2024.
President Boakai, “The acts of disorder and chaos that took place at the headquarters of the LDEA were unacceptable, threatened public peace and undermined Government’s fight against illicit drugs.
The President named Mr. Christopher Peters, as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Agency, pending the conclusion of the investigation.
But, the appointment of Christopher Peters as Officer in Charge three months ago, the President is yet release findings of the investigation as to what led to their suspension.
However, the Grand Bassa County Representative urged the President’s office to expedite the release of the report to ensure transparency and accountability.
Goshua’s call for a budget increase and his broader campaign against drug abuse reflect his ongoing commitment to addressing the challenges posed by narcotic drugs in Liberia.
