Published: February 18, 2026
By Blamo N. Toe & Alphanso G. Kalama
MONROVIA, Liberia — Liberia National Police Spokesperson Deputy Commissioner of Police Cecelia G. Clarke resigned Wednesday, citing what she described as persistent workplace discrimination, operational constraints and structural barriers that undermined her authority and performance.
Clarke formally stepped down Feb. 18, one day after receiving a letter relieving her of her duties as head of the Press and Public Affairs Division and reassigning her to lead the Protocol Department — a move she characterized as unjustified and procedurally flawed.
Speaking at a press briefing in Monrovia, Clarke said the transfer followed a pattern of professional challenges that ultimately made her continued service untenable.
Disputed Transfer and Allegations of Parallel Communication
According to Clarke, the Feb. 17 reassignment letter arrived late in the day and required her to immediately hand over all official materials and report to a new supervisor.
The Protocol Department she was reassigned to was previously led by Sam Collins, whom she accused of undermining her office by allegedly running parallel communications within the police structure.
She questioned both the timing and intent of the transfer, suggesting it effectively replaced her as the police’s chief spokesperson.
“The LNP has one spokesperson and that mandate is my office to uphold. Stop the undermining, misrepresenting and stereotyping that you are noted for. My silence is not stupidity,” Clarke wrote in a social media post during her tenure — a message widely interpreted as a warning to internal actors.
The former Liberia Broadcasting System senior staff member and ex-president of the Reporters Association of Liberia said the move left her with little choice but to resign.
“Leadership must rest on trust and clarity — once both are shaken, service becomes a struggle rather than a duty,” Clarke declared.
Claims of Workplace Discrimination
In her formal resignation statement, Clarke reflected on nearly two years in the high-profile communications role, describing her tenure as focused on improving transparency and strengthening public trust in the police.
“My decision to resign follows careful reflection on a range of professional and administrative challenges experienced over nearly two years,” she revealed. “These include persistent workplace discrimination, operational constraints, limited institutional support, structural barriers affecting the performance of my office, and difficulties in team collaboration”.
She emphasized that as one of the few women to hold such a visible leadership role within the Liberia National Police, she approached the responsibility with “integrity, vision, and professionalism.”
Clarke said that despite internal efforts to resolve the challenges and uphold professionalism, recent developments made it clear that resigning was in the best interest of both herself and the institution.
She thanked journalists, colleagues and partners for supporting her work and expressed hope that police leadership would strengthen internal systems to promote fairness, inclusion and professionalism across the force.
Clarke concluded by reaffirming her commitment to public service and the rule of law, pledging a smooth transition as the institution continues its mandate of protecting and serving the Liberian people.
Rumors and Response
Amid longstanding rumors that Collins had consistently undermined Clarke’s authority, The Liberian Investigator contacted him for comment hours after her resignation.
“Mr. Collins, you have been accused of undermining the office of Madam Clarke, which has subsequently led to her immediate transfer from the role of U-122; something she could not accept thus triggering her resignation. What can you say?” a TLI reporter asked.
“Well, I am trying to settle down now so my initial response will be: no comment for now; we will speak to these issues later,” Collins replied.
When asked whether he was next in line to replace Clarke as official LNP spokesperson, Collins confirmed the appointment.
“Is it true that you are next in line to be the official Spokesperson of the Liberia National Police?” the reporter asked.
“Certainly, I have received a communication appointing me to that role,” Collins confirmed.
Leadership Transition at the LNP
Clarke’s resignation marks a significant leadership shift within the Liberia National Police’s communications apparatus and raises broader questions about internal coordination, institutional culture and command structure within the force.
With Collins confirming his appointment as the new spokesperson, attention now turns to how the LNP will navigate the transition amid public scrutiny and internal reform expectations.
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