The Spokesperson for the Liberian National Police (LNP), Cecelia Clarke, has resigned, citing administrative challenges and what she perceives as an undermining of her role. The LNP has since dismissed these claims, citing routine issues in Clarke’s conduct. Her resignation came in response to what she called an unjustified administrative transfer meant to demote her within the organization. Clarke announced her resignation during a press conference in Monrovia on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. She referred to a communication from the LNP administration dated Tuesday, February 17, that informed her of her reassignment to the Protocol Department, effectively stripping her of her spokesperson duties and replacing her with Officer Sam Collins.
Clarke stated that she could no longer serve the institution under the new assignment, saying, “The transfer communicated to me on February 17, 2024, which places me in the Protocol Department, a post otherwise occupied by Sam Collins, has effectively removed me from my role as spokesperson without just cause.” She described the decision by LNP leadership as “unjustified” and inconsistent with her record of service, leaving her with no choice but to resign entirely.
The letter sent to Clarke read: “The Administration of the Liberia National Police has resolved to relieve you from your post as Head of the Press and Public Division due to the end of your tour of duty. Subsequently, you are hereby reassigned to the Protocol Division. The administration of the Liberia National Police expresses its gratitude for your dedicated service rendered during your tenure as Head of the Press and Public Affairs Division, Central Headquarters. We extend our congratulations on your new appointment and challenge you to exert your utmost best to achieve the goals defined here as justification for the confidence placed in you. Accordingly, you are ordered to turn over all working materials in your possession associated with your function: Operations SIM card, handheld radio, etc., to the offices of the Head of Human Resources Management, Division Unit 114, for onward transmission. In light of this, you will report to the office of your immediate supervisor, Unit 110, for briefing and resumption of duty effective from the date mentioned above.”
In her resignation letter, Clarke expressed that it was a privilege to have served as Police Spokesperson, a role she fulfilled with “dedication and commitment.” “As one of the few women to have served in such a visible leadership position within the LNP, I embraced this responsibility with integrity, vision, and a deep sense of professionalism,” she stated. Clarke expressed gratitude for the opportunity to build trust and enhance communication between the public and the security sector.
She attributed her decision to resign to a careful reflection on various professional and administrative challenges faced during her nearly two years with the LNP, including persistent workplace discrimination, operational constraints, limited institutional support, structural barriers affecting her office’s performance, and difficulties in teamwork. Meanwhile, the Liberia National Police (LNP) acknowledged acceptance of the resignation, confirming the appointment of Sam Collins as the new Spokesperson for the Liberia National Police, with immediate effect.
However, the LNP clarified that prior to her resignation, DCP Clarke was the subject of an active internal investigation into alleged ethical violations, noting that the reappointment was a routine personnel action pending the outcome of these inquiries, contrary to being ‘unjustified’ as insinuated by her.
According to the LNP, the investigation of Clarke’s conduct remains in force, and she is required to report to LNP Headquarters as needed to answer questions regarding the handling and management of classified documents and alleged mismanagement of funds designated for media transportation reimbursements.
The LNP emphasized that the Force remains steadfast in its commitment to accountability, transparency, and the highest standards of professional conduct, adding that all personnel, past and present, are subject to the rules and regulations governing the institution.
According to a release, the public is assured that the transition in leadership of the Press and Public Affairs Division will not disrupt the flow of information. Director Collins, a seasoned officer previously heading the Protocol Department, brings a wealth of experience to the role and is fully prepared to uphold the LNP’s commitment to open communication with the public and the press.
