Gov’t Pledges Stronger Support for Security Sector as 193 Officers Graduate
By: Myean D Torgbean
PAYNESVILLE – The Government of Liberia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the country’s security institutions, with Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan promising sustained support to address the challenges confronting the nation’s law enforcement agencies.
Speaking Friday at the graduation ceremony of 193 recruits from the Liberia National Police (LNP) Academy and Training School in Paynesville, Minister Ngafuan assured members of the security sector that the government recognizes their sacrifices and remains committed to improving their operational capacity.
“I will personally serve as an ambassador for the security sector,” Ngafuan declared. “The government has observed that resources provided to our security institutions are being utilized appropriately, and we will continue to support them as they carry out their vital national responsibilities.”
The graduation ceremony brought together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community, lawmakers, security leaders, and development partners to celebrate the successful completion of training by 75 Liberia National Police recruits and 118 Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) recruits.
Inspector General Gregory O.W. Coleman challenged the newly graduated officers to uphold professionalism, integrity, and discipline throughout their careers.
Describing the occasion as a milestone for Liberia’s security sector, Coleman reminded the graduates that they are now entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives, enforcing the law, maintaining public order, and serving the Liberian people with honor.
“Professional policing begins with professional training,” Coleman said. “Your uniforms are not symbols of power but symbols of service and responsibility. Wear them with pride, exercise authority with humility, and always uphold the law.”
The Police Chief emphasized that public confidence in law enforcement can only be sustained through ethical conduct and accountability. He further urged officers to protect vulnerable citizens, respect human rights, defend the Constitution, and serve without fear or favor.
Coleman also praised the transformation of the Police Academy over the past year, describing it as an emerging center of excellence for law enforcement training in Liberia.
For her part, Deputy Inspector General for Training and Manpower Development, Hon. Sadatu L.M. Reeves, hailed the graduates for their determination and resilience throughout the rigorous training process.
Madam Reeves noted that the completion of the program represents not only an academic achievement but also a commitment to national service and public safety.
“The journey you have completed was designed to prepare you mentally, physically, and professionally for the enormous responsibilities that await you,” she told the graduates. “The nation expects you to serve with integrity, discipline, courage, and respect for the rule of law.”
She urged the officers to remain committed to continuous learning and professional development while serving as positive ambassadors for Liberia’s security institutions.
Also addressing the ceremony, United States Charge d’Affaires Joseph Zadrozny commended Liberia’s efforts to strengthen its law enforcement and counternarcotics institutions.
Zadrozny described the graduation as an important step toward enhancing public safety and security across the country and reaffirmed the United States Government’s commitment to supporting Liberia’s security sector reforms.
“The United States remains proud to partner with Liberia in building professional, accountable, and community-centered security institutions,” he said. “The training and development of law enforcement officers are critical to promoting stability, justice, and public confidence.”
He encouraged the graduates to uphold the highest standards of professionalism while remaining dedicated to serving their communities.
Liberia’s Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, Sr., urged the graduates to remain steadfast in defending the rule of law and protecting the constitutional rights of all citizens.
According to the Attorney General, law enforcement officers serve as the frontline guardians of justice and must therefore demonstrate impartiality, integrity, and respect for due process.
“The authority vested in you by the State must always be exercised within the bounds of the law,” Tweh said. “Your actions must reflect fairness, professionalism, and respect for the rights and dignity of every Liberian.”
He emphasized the importance of collaboration among security institutions in combating crime, narcotics trafficking, and other emerging threats confronting the nation.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Veterans Affairs, Senator Momo Cyrus, cautioned the graduates against misconduct and abuse of authority.
Cyrus urged the officers to demonstrate professionalism and dedication in the discharge of their duties, stressing that the public expects security personnel to serve as examples of discipline and accountability.
“The confidence citizens place in our security institutions must never be taken for granted,” he said. “Your conduct will determine how the public perceives the institutions you represent.”
At the same time, Inspector General Coleman appealed to the Government of Liberia and international partners to continue investing in security infrastructure, training, technology, equipment, and personnel development.
He noted that evolving threats, including organized crime, narcotics trafficking, and cybercrime, require modern and well-equipped law enforcement agencies.
“An investment in law enforcement is an investment in peace, public confidence, economic growth, and national development,” Coleman said.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the graduates, officially welcoming them into the ranks of the Liberia National Police and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency.
The newly commissioned officers are expected to be deployed across Liberia to support law enforcement operations, combat drug trafficking, maintain public order, and strengthen community security.
