Monrovia, Liberia September 2, 2025– In a bid to bolster its nationwide presence and enhance environmental protection across Liberia, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has officially deployed a new cohort of environmental inspectors to several rural counties. The deployment ceremony, held at the EPA headquarters in Monrovia, marked a significant milestone in the agency’s efforts to decentralize operations and ensure environmental compliance throughout the country.

Speaking at the event, EPA Executive Director Emanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo commended the inspectors for their willingness to serve outside the capital, emphasizing the critical role rural deployment plays in achieving the agency’s national mandate.

> “Economic activities, urbanization, and schools are expanding beyond Monrovia, and your presence in the rural counties is commendable,” said Yarkpawolo. “No nation develops if its citizens do not take ownership. You, as environmental inspectors, are the foot soldiers of the EPA.”

Yarkpawolo revealed plans for a salary increment for inspectors stationed in rural areas, acknowledging the challenges they may face in remote assignments. He also committed to continuous capacity building, including potential travel, training, and educational empowerment opportunities.

He urged the inspectors to maintain integrity in their duties and to uphold the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia without compromise.

> “As you go to your new posts, stand with us in fighting corruption. Do not compromise the law. Communicate with us—your leaders at the head office—for any support you may need,” he encouraged.

Additionally, the Executive Director announced ongoing negotiations to acquire ten (10) acres of land for future EPA headquarters. He disclosed that the current building would be rented out, with proceeds used to support retirement benefits for EPA staff.

> “As of next year, we want our environmental inspectors to march alongside the Armed Forces of Liberia. You are the soldiers of the environment,” Yarkpawolo declared.

Edward G. Wingbah, a long-serving environmental inspector and current adviser (Consultant) at the EPA, urged the newly deployed staff to be proactive and committed. Recalling his own experience of receiving international training while serving in Grand Gedeh County, he highlighted the potential rewards of diligent service in remote areas.

Meanwhile, R. Baiyezinah Brown, Inspector General of the EPA, cautioned inspectors to remain vigilant and uncompromising in enforcing environmental regulations, while John Jallah, Director of Compliance and Enforcement, stressed the importance of professionalism in representing the agency across the country.

Anthony S. Kollie, Acting Deputy Executive Director, also encouraged unity and resilience among the team.

Inspectors Speak on Deployment

Among those deployed, Augustine S. Sokan, assigned to Sinoe County, expressed gratitude to the EPA leadership and praised the agency’s transformation under Yarkpawolo’s leadership.

> “The institution has become one of integrity, and we, as inspectors, should model after that example,” Sokan said.

Isaac Jumudeh Weah, now serving as County Head in Grand Kru, described the deployment as timely given the environmental challenges faced in the region.

> “Our presence will bring regulation. I’m committed to working with local authorities and communities to promote environmental awareness and protection,” Weah vowed.

Full List of Deployed Inspectors

Grand Kru County: Isaac Jumudeh Weah, Abednego Blay, Timothy M. Jeh

River Gee County: Johnson Nonwon, Tony Queh, George Dalleh

Grand Gedeh County: Lewis Lincoln

Maryland County: James P. Pudu, Gabriel S. Wesseh, Joseph D. Quayee, Samuel Nagbe, Jr.

Sinoe County: Augustine S. Sokan, Miller Prince Baryogar

Additionally, Ezekiel H. Kpehe has been transferred from Maryland County to Montserrado County, reflecting ongoing internal reshuffling to strengthen environmental governance across all regions.