LDEA officers celebrate AB Kromah’s confirmation

By Kruah Thompson 

Monrovia, Fiamah Sinkor – In an atmosphere of jubilation, officers of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) gathered at their Sinkor head office to celebrate the successful confirmation hearing of newly appointed Director AB Kromah on Friday, February 2, 2024. 

The confirmation marked a significant moment for the former Deputy Inspector General of Police (102) for operations under the Sirleaf administration.

The celebratory ambiance at the DEA head office unfolded as Kromah, a controversial figure, faced a confirmation hearing that garnered positive feedback and support from the DEA community. 

The confirmation hearing that took place on Friday in Monrovia saw Kromah addressing crucial issues related to drug enforcement strategies and the collaborative efforts required to tackle the evolving challenges in Liberia.

During the hearing, Kromah highlighted lapses of the LDEA in the US$ 1 million cocaine case, and at the same time outlined strategies to implore under his administration.

Additionally, LDEA agents who were celebrating right outside the police headquarters, expressed optimism about Kromah’s potential impact on the agency, highlighting his experience and commitment to curbing illicit drug activities.

“AB Kromah has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to our shared mission in combating drug trafficking and abuse. His wealth of experience and strategic mindset make him an asset to our team,” remarked one DEA official during the celebration.

Despite Kroma’s controversial past, having been dismissed from the police force in 2015 following an incident involving the shooting of a motorcyclist, his recent appointment as Director General-designate of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency has stirred mixed reactions.

Anti-drugs activists and youth groups, including “Drugs Free World Africa” and “Students Against Drugs,” prior to Mr. Kromah’s appointment called on President Boakai to revoke such an appointment, alleging his unfitness for the job and a violation of LDEA laws and policies.

Quoting specific sections from LDEA laws and policies, these groups emphasized Kromah’s failure to undergo a drug test and raised concerns about his previous dismissal and involvement in political altercations.

Chapter IV, Section 4.1.3 Page 7 of the LDEA Laws and Policies states, “A General Director of the LDEA must do successful examinations; medical including drug test before ascending as Director General of the entity.”

They contend that a Director General of the agency must not have faced dismissal from the LDEA or any statutory security agency for substantive reasons. Additionally, the appointee must maintain a clean record and should not be under criminal charges or subject to investigations related to war crimes, crimes against humanity, or any violation of international human rights conventions, an assertion they claim the LDEA boss-designate has been implicated in.

Similarly, the CDC Youth League, on the other hand, describes Mr. Kromah’s appointment as a breach of the security code and ethics of Liberia.

The group further noted that Mr. Kromah as a political person, has been involved in political altercations with those he sees as opponents, and such a person who was sacked from the police is unfit for such a position. 

“Mr. Kromah once called President Weah an ‘unsophisticated idiot’ and was seen actively campaigning for the Unity Party candidate, Joseph Boakai. The nominee’s track record of abuse, political intimidation, and human rights violations, isn’t just limited to those he perceives as political opponents, but also journalists and peaceful citizens,” the group stated.

Despite the controversies, Mr. KROMAH’s confirmation hearing proved successful, with the newly inducted chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense, Security, Intelligence, and Veterans Affairs Senator Cyrus Momo, expressing support for Kromah’s commitment to a drug-free Liberia.

Hence, following this pronouncement, DEA officers were seen jubilating and expressing joy, with community residents in the Fiamah area coming out to witness the celebration. Editing by Jonathan Browne