MONROVIA, LIBERIA — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has appointed former Armed Forces of Liberia Chief of Staff, Major General (Ret.) Daniel Dee Ziankahn, Jr., as Director General of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), pending confirmation by the Liberian Senate.
The appointment signals a renewed effort by the Boakai administration to intensify Liberia’s fight against illicit drugs, narcotics trafficking, and transnational organized crime.
Gen. Ziankahn brings decades of military and national security experience to the position. He previously served as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, where he played a role in the transformation and professionalization of the military following Liberia’s civil conflict.
He also served as Minister of National Defense and, more recently, as Military Advisor to President Boakai. Under the new arrangement, Ziankahn will report directly to President Boakai while working closely with the Minister of Justice on matters relating to drug enforcement and national security.
President Boakai has also appointed Precious Rue as Deputy Director General for Operations and Prince Mulbah as Deputy Director General for Administration of the LDEA.
Their appointments, like Ziankahn’s, are subject to Senate confirmation.
The three officials are expected to begin serving immediately in an acting capacity until the Senate returns later this year to consider their nominations.
Meanwhile, Ernest Tarpeh, who previously served as Deputy Director General of the LDEA, will return to his former assignment at the National Security Agency.
The latest appointments follow the submission of an investigative report by the Ministry of Justice to the President and form part of broader government efforts to strengthen Liberia’s institutional response to narcotics trafficking and related criminal activities.
President Boakai has repeatedly described drug trafficking as one of the most serious threats facing Liberia’s national security, public health, and future development.
His administration has adopted a zero-tolerance position toward narcotics trafficking, corruption, and organized crime while pushing for stronger enforcement and interagency cooperation.
Biago Suspended Amid Ethical Investigation
In a related development, President Boakai has indefinitely suspended former LDEA Officer-in-Charge Fitzgerald Biago from the Liberia National Police over alleged ethical transgressions and ordered a further investigation into the matter.
According to the administration, the Ministry of Justice investigation did not establish Biago’s involvement in illegal narcotics trafficking.
However, the report identified ethical concerns that the President said require additional scrutiny to determine whether further administrative or other appropriate action is warranted.
Following a marathon meeting of the National Security Council on Monday evening, President Boakai reaffirmed his commitment to due process and accountability.
The President emphasized that allegations must be addressed fairly and professionally, stressing that no individual should be condemned without evidence, while public officials must remain accountable when questions concerning their conduct arise.
Boakai Issues Warning to Drug Traffickers
President Boakai has instructed the new LDEA leadership to work closely with the Joint Security, Ministry of Justice, and international partners to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating in Liberia.
The President also called for strengthened border security, improved intelligence gathering, enhanced enforcement capabilities, and increased efforts to protect young people and communities from the effects of illicit drugs.
“Our fight against drugs is a fight for the future of Liberia,” President Boakai declared.
He added: “We will continue to strengthen our institutions, hold public officials to the highest ethical standards, and pursue those who seek to poison our communities. There will be no safe haven for drug traffickers or those who aid and abet them.”
The appointment of Gen. Ziankahn and the accompanying leadership changes come at a critical time as Liberia seeks to strengthen its national drug enforcement strategy and respond more aggressively to the growing threat of narcotics trafficking.
