MONROVIA, Liberia – Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan has pledged continued government support for Liberia’s security sector, while commending the leadership of the Liberia National Police Academy for what he described as the remarkable transformation of the institution and the prudent use of public resources.
Speaking Friday as keynote speaker at the graduation of the 47th Basic Recruit Class of the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the 3rd Basic Recruit Class of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Minister Ngafuan said the government remains committed to strengthening the country’s security architecture despite competing national priorities and limited fiscal space.
Addressing hundreds of graduates, security officials, diplomats, lawmakers, and family members gathered at the Police Academy in Paynesville, Ngafuan praised the progress made at the academy under the leadership of Deputy Inspector General for Training and Manpower Development, Sadatu L. Reeves, describing the changes as evidence that government resources are being effectively utilized.
“I came on what I call an advance budget hearing,” Ngafuan remarked. “As I walked around and saw the transformation, I can only say thank you for using the resources that we gave you wisely.”
Security Competes with Other National Priorities
The Finance Minister acknowledged the financial challenges confronting government, noting that the security sector competes for resources with other critical sectors including roads, agriculture, energy, health, and education.
He explained that every government institution makes a compelling case for increased funding during budget deliberations, but stressed that the administration must carefully balance competing national needs.
“You are competing with the Ministry of Public Works, with the energy sector, with agriculture, and with other branches of government,” Ngafuan said. “The issue is not whether there are needs. The issue is the size of the resources available to divide.”
Despite those constraints, he assured security personnel that the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai remains committed to improving their conditions of service and providing additional support to security institutions.
“The government will do more,” he pledged. “What you have proved is that this place is not what it used to be yesterday. In partnership with you, tomorrow will be even better.”
Praise for Security Cooperation
Ngafuan also highlighted the growing collaboration between the Liberia National Police and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, describing the partnership as essential to maintaining national security and combating organized crime.
According to him, recent successful operations, including the seizure of a major cocaine shipment valued at approximately US$19.2 million at Roberts International Airport, demonstrate the benefits of institutional cooperation among Liberia’s security agencies.
“It is good for security entities to coordinate and cooperate in operations,” he said. “Many of the successes we are seeing today are a direct result of that cooperation.”
Message to New Officers: Integrity Above All
Turning his attention to the graduates, the Finance Minister delivered a strong message on integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
He warned the new officers that while government will continue working to improve salaries and conditions of service, no amount of public compensation can match the financial inducements offered by criminals and drug traffickers seeking to corrupt law enforcement personnel.
“We can never pay you as much as the drug dealer will pay you to tempt you,” Ngafuan cautioned. “It is your values that must make you strong enough to resist temptation.” He urged the recruits to embrace what he called “vertical and horizontal leadership” by treating both superiors and subordinates with respect while maintaining professionalism in their dealings with colleagues and members of the public.
“A good follower can become a good leader,” he told the graduates. “Serve and show yourself approved not only to those above you, but also to those below you and your peers.”
Anti-Drug Fight a National Imperative
Ngafuan reserved some of his strongest remarks for the fight against illicit drugs, describing narcotics trafficking and substance abuse as among Liberia’s most pressing social challenges.
He praised LDEA officers for their efforts to protect young people from the devastating effects of drugs, arguing that substance abuse destroys futures, tears families apart, and undermines national development.
“The tragedy we face is seeing able-bodied young people walking like zombies because of drugs,” he said. “The worst death is the death that comes while a person is still alive. Substance abuse has a way of killing people while they are alive.” The Minister assured anti-drug officers that both the government and the Liberian people stand firmly behind them in the fight against narcotics trafficking.
193 Officers Join Liberia’s Security Forces
The ceremony marked the graduation of 193 recruits from both the Liberia National Police and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency after completing months of intensive academic, physical, and professional training.
The graduates took the oath of office before Justice Minister and Attorney General Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh and were officially inducted into Liberia’s law enforcement community.
Security officials described the graduation as another significant step in strengthening Liberia’s law enforcement capacity as the country continues efforts to improve public safety, combat organized crime, and build professional security institutions capable of meeting emerging national challenges.
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