NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – A public exchange has erupted between FrontPageAfrica Managing Editor Rodney Sieh and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung over photographs allegedly linking the Vice President to an individual whom Sieh claims has been associated with an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Speaking on Spoon TV’s Prime Time Liberia, Sieh insisted that neither he nor FrontPageAfrica was accusing the Vice President of involvement in drug trafficking.
Instead, he argued that the emergence of photographs showing Koung alongside individuals reportedly connected to the investigation has raised legitimate public concerns that deserve clarification.
“We’re not saying anybody is involved in drugs. We’re not saying anyone is trying to traffic drugs,” Sieh said. “But when something like this happens in Liberia, and you’re the vice president, and photographs surface showing people associated with you, I think Liberians deserve to know how close you are to those individuals.”
The veteran Liberian journalist stressed that the issue was about public accountability rather than criminal accusation, adding that “nobody is accusing the vice president” but that Liberians are making connections and expecting an explanation.
Sieh further expressed concern over reports that individuals connected to the multimillion-dollar cocaine investigation are allegedly disappearing, describing the situation as troubling.
He also questioned circumstances surrounding the reported release of Michael Brown from prison, saying he found it difficult to believe that Brown could have walked free without authorization.
Sieh maintained that, given the Vice President’s office and public profile, Koung should clearly distance himself from anyone linked to the drug saga if he has no relationship with them.
The Vice President swiftly rejected the assertions, describing Sieh’s comments as allegations based on a photograph taken at a public gathering. In a statement, Koung denied knowing the individual identified as Anthony and dismissed suggestions that the photograph established any relationship between them.
“I reject Rodney Sieh’s allegation on Spoon TV last night that I have an association with one Anthony seen in a group photo with me, who he alleged to have a link to drug-related activities,” Koung said. “As Vice President, I do take photos with many individuals at public and private events. I do not know Anthony, and the photo taken does not suggest my knowledge of any personal dealings he may be involved with.”
Reaffirming his long-standing position on the fight against narcotics, Koung said he remains committed to allowing the law to take its course regardless of a person’s relationship to him.
He recalled his public statement following the November 2025 arrest of Clifford Payne, an official of the Group of 77, in connection with a suspected drug case, noting that his position has not changed.
“As I stated when Clifford Payne, an official of the Group of 77, was arrested on November 24, 2025, in connection with allegations arising from a suspected drug case, I still maintain that if my wife, children, relatives, friends, political associates, and employees are connected to any drug-related activities, they should face the full weight of the law,” the Vice President declared.
The exchange comes as Liberia continues to grapple with the fallout from the recent seizure of approximately 237.6 kilograms of cocaine valued at more than US$19 million, a case that has intensified public scrutiny of alleged connections between public officials and individuals under investigation.
While no evidence has been presented publicly linking Vice President Koung to criminal activity, the debate underscores growing calls for transparency from public officials as authorities pursue one of the country’s most significant drug trafficking investigations.
