By Liberia – In a historic ceremony at the Liberia National Police Academy and Training School in Paynesville, over 600 new recruits were proudly welcomed into the Liberia National Police (LNP), marking the largest graduating class in the LNP’s history.
Undergoing rigorous training for nearly six months, 673 Liberians successfully completed the program. Commissioner Jartu K. Golafale, responsible for training at the academy, revealed that the training began with 677 trainees, including 497 males and 180 females. Regrettably, two males and two females were unable to complete the training due to administrative reasons.
The comprehensive training encompassed various facets of policing, including Traffic Management, Community Policing, Criminal Investigation, and Crime Scene Management, among other crucial subjects.
Commissioner Golafale proudly announced that this graduation ceremony marked the forty-fifth graduating class of the LNP, setting a new milestone for the institution.
The graduation ceremony attracted a significant crowd of citizens, government officials, members of the joint security forces, and international partners, all gathering to witness this remarkable occasion. International partners offered inspiring words of encouragement to the graduates, emphasizing the vital role of security in national development.
Acting Deputy Minister for Codification at the Ministry of Defense, Atty. Abraham Mitchell, delivered an impactful speech, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between security and development. He stressed that the justice system’s duty is to protect all Liberians and commended the large number of new recruits as a significant boost to the Justice Ministry’s efforts.
Acknowledging the LNP’s challenging history during the Liberian Civil War, the Acting Deputy Minister urged the graduates to rekindle the strength of the LNP and fulfill their duties diligently. He called upon all Liberian citizens to create a conducive working environment for the police force.
Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Patrick Sudue, expressed his confidence in the graduates’ dedication to uphold the rules and regulations of the LNP. He reminded them that the police force is a professional domain guided by essential rules and laws. Sudue emphasized the apolitical nature of the police force, underscoring its role in safeguarding Liberia’s democracy. He encouraged the graduates to view their profession as a means of serving their country, rather than a route to personal gain or revenge.
In her remarks, Josephine Nkrumah, the ECOWAS representative to Liberia, encouraged the graduates to wear their uniforms with pride and embrace the ideals of integrity and honor. She emphasized the importance of setting an example for good policing, particularly as Liberia approached elections, calling for their commitment and confidence in serving the Liberian people.
Deputy Minister of Defense, Prince Vancine, representing the Justice Ministry, emphasized the need for impactful policing to gain the trust of Liberian citizens. He called upon the graduates to prioritize stability, peace, and the safety of all Liberians in their duties.
The graduation ceremony of the Class of Forty-Five was a momentous occasion, attended by thousands of proud Liberians, signaling a new era of strengthened security and commitment to the nation’s welfare.
By: Moses Gwee Jr.
