Monrovia, Liberia: President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. has indefinitely suspended Fitzgerald T. M. Biago from his role within the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) amid an ongoing investigation into alleged ethical transgressions.
At the same time, President Boakai has appointed Major General (Retired) Daniel Dee Ziankahn, Jr. as Director General of the LDEA, pending confirmation by the Liberian Senate.
The changes were announced following a marathon meeting of the National Security Council and come after the Ministry of Justice submitted an investigative report to the President concerning allegations surrounding the LDEA.
According to the government, the Justice Ministry’s report did not establish that Biago was involved in illegal narcotics trafficking. However, it identified ethical concerns that the President said require further investigation to determine whether additional administrative or other appropriate action may be necessary.
President Boakai has therefore ordered Biago’s indefinite suspension and directed that he be subjected to a more detailed investigation.
The President stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt, emphasizing that allegations of misconduct must be handled fairly and in accordance with due process.
Retired General Ziankahn Named LDEA Director General
In a major leadership change at the agency, President Boakai appointed Major General (Retired) Daniel Dee Ziankahn, Jr. to serve as Director General of the LDEA, pending Senate confirmation.
Ziankahn brings decades of experience in Liberia’s national security sector. 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 previously served as Minister of National Defense and, more recently, as Military Advisor to President Boakai.
The Presidency said his appointment reflects the President’s confidence in his leadership, integrity, and operational experience and is intended to strengthen the government’s response to drug trafficking and transnational organized crime.
Ziankahn will report directly to President Boakai while working in close consultation with the Minister of Justice.
New Deputy Directors Appointed
Alongside Ziankahn, President Boakai appointed Precious Rue as Deputy Director General for Operations and Prince Mulbah as Deputy Director General for Administration.
Their appointments, like Ziankahn’s, are subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate.
The three appointees have been instructed to immediately assume their respective responsibilities in an acting capacity pending legislative confirmation when the Senate returns later this year.
Meanwhile, Ernest Tarpeh, who previously served as Deputy Director General of the LDEA, will return to his former assignment at the National Security Agency.
Boakai Vows to Intensify Fight Against Drugs
The new appointments form part of the Boakai administration’s broader strategy to strengthen Liberia’s institutional response to narcotics trafficking and other organized criminal activities.
President Boakai has repeatedly described drug trafficking as a serious threat to Liberia’s national security, public health, and future development.
The government says its approach includes stronger enforcement, institutional reforms, and increased cooperation among security agencies and international partners.
The President has instructed the newly appointed LDEA leadership to work closely with the Joint Security, the Ministry of Justice, and international partners to dismantle drug trafficking networks, improve border security, and strengthen intelligence and enforcement capabilities.
The new leadership is also expected to focus on protecting young people and communities from the effects of illicit drugs.
Following the National Security Council meeting, President Boakai reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to holding public officials accountable while ensuring that allegations are handled through due process.
He maintained that no individual should be condemned without evidence, but also stressed that public officials must meet the highest standards of integrity.
“Our fight against drugs is a fight for the future of Liberia,” President Boakai said.
He added that the government would continue strengthening state institutions and pursuing individuals involved in drug trafficking or activities that facilitate the trade.
The leadership changes at the LDEA now place the agency under the direction of a retired senior military officer with extensive national security experience, while Biago faces a further investigation into the ethical concerns raised in the Ministry of Justice’s report.
