By Shallon S. Gonlor
MONROVIA – Following President Joseph Boakai’s sweeping dismissal of the top brass at the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), the President of the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL), Lisa Tenneh Diasay, is publicly advocating for the inclusion of a qualified woman on the newly appointed interim management team.
Diasay’s call, made in a detailed public appeal on Facebook, emphasizes that including a “grounded officer” from within the LDEA is essential for a smooth transition and effective system change. She specifically recommended Officer Precious Rue, whom she described as a dedicated and experienced young professional who has proven her commitment to national service through a robust fight for system reformation and restoration within the security sector.
“We commend and appreciate you for the steadfast decision taken at the LDEA to safeguard the system and the government,” Diasay addressed President Boakai. “We implore you to ensure a grounded officer within the LDEA sits on the interim leadership… and we recommend that Officer Precious Rue sits on the interim leadership team you have just appointed.”
This push for gender representation comes directly on the heels of President Boakai’s major shake-up at the agency on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Citing a need to combat corruption and inefficiency, the President dismissed Director General Anthony K. Souh, along with his deputies for Administration and Operations, Mr. Gwee K. Porkpah and Sebastian Farr.
In their place, President Boaki appointed a three-man Interim Management Team, mandating them to halt the inflow of illicit drugs, combat trafficking, and dismantle drug networks across Liberia. The team, which will report to the Minister of Justice, consists of:
– DCP. Fitzgerald T. M. Biago (LNP) as Officer-in-Charge (OIC)
– Mr. Ernest T. Tarpeh (NSA) as Deputy for Administration/Investigation
– ACP. Patrick B. Kormazu (LNP) as Deputy for Operations
President Boakai characterized drug abuse as an “existential threat” to Liberia’s future, fueling crime, violence, and instability. He has given the Minister of Justice 90 days to conduct a comprehensive review of the LDEA and submit recommendations for its restructuring.
Diasay’s argument connects women’s inclusion directly to this national crisis. She contends that sustaining Officer Rue’s service by granting her a seat at a “huge national decision-making institution” would enhance the country’s joint fight against drug abuse, marrying the goals of gender equity and national security.
