By Stephen N. Sonpon
MONROVIA, Aug. 13 (LINA) – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., has appointed retired Major General Daniel Dee Ziankahn, Jr. as Director General of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), signaling a renewed and intensified government campaign against illicit drugs and transnational organized crime.
The appointment, announced Monday, August 10, 2026 remains subject to confirmation by the Liberian Senate.
Major General Ziankahn, a veteran military and national security expert, brings decades of experience to the leadership of the LDEA.
He previously served as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, where he played a key role in the transformation and professionalization of the military following years of civil conflict.
He also served as Minister of National Defense and, more recently, as Military Advisor to President Boakai, providing strategic advice on national security matters.
According to the Executive Mansion, the appointment reflects President Boakai’s confidence in Ziankahn’s leadership, integrity and operational experience, while underscoring the administration’s determination to elevate the country’s fight against narcotics trafficking.
In his new capacity, the LDEA Director General will report directly to the President in close consultation with the Minister of Justice.
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.
Both appointments, like that of Major General Ziankahn, are subject to confirmation by the Senate.
The three appointees have been directed to assume their respective responsibilities immediately in an acting capacity pending legislative confirmation when the Senate returns later this year.
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 President Boakai and form part of broader efforts by the administration to strengthen Liberia’s institutional response to narcotics trafficking and related criminal activities.
President Boakai has repeatedly described drug trafficking as one of the gravest threats confronting Liberia’s national security, public health and future development.
His administration has subsequently adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward drug trafficking, corruption and organized crime, supported by increased enforcement measures, institutional reforms and strengthened cooperation among national security institutions and international partners.
Meanwhile, President Boakai has indefinitely suspended former LDEA Officer in Charge Fitzgerald Biago from the Liberia National Police for alleged ethical transgressions and ordered that he be subjected to a more detailed investigation.
The decision followed the President’s review of the Ministry of Justice’s investigative report, which, according to the Executive Mansion, did not establish Mr. Biago’s involvement in illegal narcotics trafficking.
However, the report identified ethical concerns surrounding his conduct that warrant further investigation to determine whether additional administrative or other appropriate measures may be necessary.
Following a marathon meeting of the National Security Council Monday evening, President Boakai reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that allegations of misconduct are handled fairly, professionally and in accordance with due process.
The President emphasized that no individual should be condemned without evidence, while stressing that public officials must remain subject to accountability where questions concerning integrity arise.
He urged the newly appointed LDEA leadership to work closely with the Joint Security, the Ministry of Justice and international partners to dismantle drug trafficking networks, strengthen border security and improve intelligence and enforcement capabilities.
President Boakai further called for intensified efforts to protect Liberia’s youth and communities from the harmful consequences of illicit drugs.
“Our fight against drugs is a fight for the future of Liberia,” President Boakai declared, stressing that his administration would continue to strengthen state institutions and uphold the highest ethical standards among public officials.
“There will be no safe haven for drug traffickers or those who aid and abet them,” the President warned.
The appointments and related actions come amid growing national concern over narcotics trafficking and the need for stronger institutional coordination and accountability in Liberia’s fight against the illicit drug trade.