Koung Backers Reject Drug Cartel Allegations -Supporters Describe Him Koung As Humble, Hardworking

MONROVIA – A citizens’ group calling itself Supporters of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung held a Monrovia press conference Tuesday. Its stated purpose: to reject allegations linking the country’s second-highest official to drug cartels solely through photographs. The group’s emergence marks a significant and telling escalation in the political fallout from the US$19 million cocaine investigation. Group leader Emmanuel N. Gweh argued that a photograph with a public official cannot by itself establish criminal complicity. His argument reflects a broader reality: photographs are now circulating as political weapons across Liberia’s executive establishment. The drug investigation, which began at Roberts International Airport, has traveled all the way to the office of the Vice President. THE ANALYST reports.

A group operating under the banner Supporters of Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung on Tuesday strongly dismissed allegations attempting to link the Vice President to drug cartels or other criminal activities through photographs taken with members of the public.

Speaking at a press conference in Monrovia, the head of the group, Emmanuel N. Gweh, called on Liberians to reject what he described as misinformation and disinformation aimed at damaging the Vice President’s reputation by associating him with criminal organizations.

According to Gweh, there is an increasing trend in which ordinary photographs taken with national leaders are being used by some individuals, journalists, and political actors to create false narratives suggesting links between public officials and alleged criminal enterprises, including drug cartels. He criticized those he said are exploiting such photographs for political purposes, particularly some media commentators and individuals residing abroad, arguing that a simple photo opportunity should not be interpreted as evidence of a personal or criminal relationship.

Group defends Vice President’s character

Gweh explained that in Liberia’s political environment, citizens, lawmakers, and other public figures frequently have opportunities to take photographs with senior government officials, including the President and Vice President, during official functions and public engagements.

He noted that public officials cannot possibly know the intentions of every individual who requests a photograph with them, adding that many people seek such opportunities simply to preserve memories, promote themselves, or demonstrate their connection to national leaders.

“It is unfair and misleading for anyone to use these photographs as proof that the Vice President is connected to criminal activities or drug cartels,” Gweh stated. “A photograph alone cannot establish guilt or prove any unlawful association.”

   Defending the Vice President’s character, Gweh described Jeremiah Kpan Koung as a leader who rose from humble beginnings through determination and hard work to become Liberia’s second-highest elected official.

He said Koung has built a reputation as a humble, respectful, and hardworking public servant who understands the country’s political landscape. He further argued that someone who has spent years protecting his integrity would not knowingly engage in activities that could destroy his reputation, especially given the serious legal consequences associated with drug-related crimes in Liberia.

Gweh urges Liberians to reject smear campaigns

Gweh also observed that even members of the public and supporters may have opportunities to take photographs with the Vice President, but such interactions do not mean Koung is aware of how those images may later be used.

He concluded by urging Liberians to disregard what he described as politically motivated smear campaigns and false narratives being circulated by political opponents and some media commentators. He encouraged supporters to remain steadfast in their backing of the Vice President as he continues to serve alongside the national government.

The press conference comes amid a broader controversy over the use of photographs to allege criminal associations between drug suspects and senior government officials.

The Information Ministry has previously addressed the issue, with Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah stating that appearing in a photograph with an individual later accused of a crime does not automatically establish criminal complicity. Public debate on the matter has intensified as the investigation into the US$19 million (L$3.46 billion) cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA) continues to attract national and international scrutiny.