-Cites Gender Discrimination and Institutional Challenges
Capitol Hill, Monrovia – Deputy Commissioner of Police of the Liberia National Police (LNP), Cecelia G. Clarke has formally resigned from her dual role as Police Spokesperson, effective today. Her resignation letter cites nearly two years of persistent professional and administrative hurdles, including workplace discrimination, which she says ultimately made her position untenable.
DCP Clarke, one of the few women to hold such a prominent leadership role within the LNP, framed her departure as a decision reached after “careful reflection.” In her statement, she detailed the challenges that have marked her tenure, including “persistent workplace discrimination, operational constraints, limited institutional support, structural barriers affecting the performance of my office, and difficulties in team collaboration.”
Despite her efforts to address these issues internally while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, Clarke stated that recent developments made it clear that resigning was “in the best interest of both myself and the institution.”
During her time as Police Spokesperson, Clarke was the public face of the LNP, tasked with strengthening public communication and institutional transparency. She expressed pride in her service, noting it was a privilege to contribute to building trust between the public and the security sector.
“As one of the few women to serve in such a visible leadership position within the LNP, I have embraced this responsibility with integrity, vision, and a deep sense of professionalism,” her statement read.
While stepping down from the spokesperson role, Clarke expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Liberian people and thanked her colleagues and partners who supported the LNP’s work. In her parting message, she offered a hopeful vision for the institution’s future.
“I hope the institution will work to strengthen its system to promote fairness, inclusion, professionalism, and a healthy workplace for all officers, irrespective of gender, experience, or background,” she wrote.
DCP Clarke has pledged her full cooperation to ensure a smooth transition. She concluded her statement by wishing the Liberia National Police “continued success in fulfilling its mandate of serving and protecting the public.”
