Monrovia, Liberia, August 8, 2026– The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has commenced a comprehensive capacity-building program for members of the Government’s Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT) as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s fight against illegal mining and enhance the protection of Liberia’s natural resources.

The one-day strategic workshop, held at the EPA Headquarters in Mamba Point on Friday, August 7, 2026, brought together members of the newly established Taskforce, officials of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the EPA, and other key government institutions to strengthen collaboration, clarify institutional mandates, and improve understanding of environmental laws, mining regulations, and enforcement procedures under Executive Order No. 167.

The training is intended to equip Taskforce members with the technical and legal knowledge required to effectively support the enforcement of Liberia’s environmental and mining laws while promoting sustainable resource management.

Opening the workshop, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo said the training reflects the Government’s commitment to ensuring that all institutions responsible for protecting Liberia’s natural resources operate with a shared understanding of their respective roles.

Dr. Yarkpawolo explained that prior to the establishment of the Taskforce, both the EPA and the Ministry of Mines and Energy independently conducted nationwide monitoring exercises that uncovered widespread illegal mining activities across the country.

According to him, the assessments revealed extensive environmental destruction, including the pollution and diversion of rivers, destruction of forests and wetlands, degradation of farmland, and the increasing use of hazardous chemicals in mining operations. The findings also highlighted growing security concerns and significant losses in government revenue.

He said those reports informed the Government’s decision to establish the Taskforce.

“The EPA fully supports the Taskforce because protecting Liberia’s natural resources requires collective action,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said. “Today’s workshop is designed to build a common understanding of our mandates, environmental processes, and operational procedures so that we can work together effectively.”

He emphasized that the Taskforce is not replacing the EPA or any existing institution but is instead providing additional operational support to strengthen enforcement efforts.

“Our environmental inspectors remain deployed across the country and continue to provide technical guidance and monitoring. The Taskforce complements that work by helping address violations that require coordinated enforcement,” he added.

Dr. Yarkpawolo said participants were being introduced to Liberia’s environmental laws, environmental permitting system, inspection procedures, and methods for identifying valid environmental permits, all of which are critical to ensuring lawful mining operations.

Speaking on behalf of the Protect Our Resources Taskforce, Chairman Abraham Kromah described the orientation as an important foundation for the work ahead.

He noted that while Taskforce members are experienced law enforcement officers, many are not environmental or mining professionals, making technical guidance from the EPA essential.

“You cannot effectively enforce laws that you do not fully understand,” Kromah said. “This workshop is helping us understand the EPA’s mandate, environmental processes, and how we can support, not replace, the institutions already carrying out this work.”

He dismissed public perceptions that the Taskforce was established to take over the responsibilities of government agencies.

“Our role is to strengthen the work of the EPA and other institutions. We are here to reinforce government enforcement efforts and ensure that Liberia’s natural resources are protected,” he said.

Kromah expressed concern over the level of environmental destruction witnessed during recent field visits, describing illegal mining as one of the greatest threats to Liberia’s environment.

He said illegal operators continue to divert rivers, excavate large mining pits, destroy forests, contaminate water sources, and leave behind degraded landscapes that threaten the livelihoods of surrounding communities.

He praised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. for taking decisive action through the establishment of the Taskforce, saying the initiative demonstrates the Government’s determination to safeguard the country’s mineral resources and environmental future.

Representatives from the Ministry of Mines and Energy also reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with the EPA and the Taskforce, emphasizing that responsible mining must go hand in hand with environmental protection and sustainable development.

The workshop featured presentations on the EPA’s statutory mandate, environmental compliance and enforcement procedures, inspection and monitoring systems, environmental permitting processes, and the implementation framework of Executive Order No. 167.

On June 26, 2026, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. issued Executive Order No. 167, establishing the Protect Our Resources Taskforce (PORT) to combat illegal mining activities throughout Liberia.

The Taskforce was created in response to growing concerns over widespread illicit mining operations that have resulted in river diversion, destruction of forests and wetlands, contamination of water bodies, unlawful use of hazardous chemicals, loss of government revenue, and threats to national security and community livelihoods.

The Executive Order mandates the Taskforce to halt illegal mining operations, investigate violations, confiscate equipment used in unlawful activities, facilitate the arrest and prosecution of offenders, and work closely with relevant government institutions to enforce Liberia’s mining and environmental laws.

President Boakai appointed Abraham Kromah as Chairman of the Taskforce. Other appointed members include Ashford Peal, Prince Mulbah, Tarnue Kesselly, and Charles Johnson, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and liaison officers from the Armed Forces of Liberia and the Liberia National Police.

Executive Order No. 167 took immediate effect upon issuance and remains in force for one year, subject to renewal or amendment based on its implementation and effectiveness.