(Monrovia-January 17, 2025)-The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has officially opened a sub-office at the Freeport of Monrovia to enhance the management of chemicals and enforce environmental regulations. The dedication ceremony, held on Friday, January 17, 2025, brought together senior officials from the EPA, the Freeport of Monrovia, and other key stakeholders.

The establishment of the sub-office at Liberia’s busiest port is seen as a significant step toward addressing long-standing challenges in the importation and management of hazardous materials. The lack of an EPA presence at the Freeport had previously created loopholes that facilitated illegal imports of chemicals and other substances harmful to human health and the environment.

Speaking at the event, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo emphasized the importance of the new office in ensuring compliance with both national laws and international environmental agreements. Dr. Yarkpawolo noted that the initiative aligns with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s directive for governance based on integrity, diligence, and effective enforcement.

He described the Freeport office as a critical measure to curb the illegal importation of hazardous chemicals, prevent the entry of substances banned under international conventions, and improve collaboration between the EPA and other agencies, such as the National Port Authority, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Liberia Revenue Authority. According to him, this office will also work to reduce toxic trade within the country and identify weaknesses in the existing regulatory framework.

Dr. Yarkpawolo expressed optimism about the progress the EPA has made under his leadership, including the recent approval of eight environmental regulations, such as those for air quality, soil quality, wetlands, and solid waste management. He also revealed that the EPA plans to move into a modern headquarters in Mamba Point with state-of-the-art laboratory facilities by the end of the first quarter of 2025.

Addressing the crowd, Deputy Executive Director of the EPA, Dweh Siehwloh Boley, Sr., highlighted the importance of the Freeport office in ensuring that Liberia adheres to its environmental commitments. He stated that this new presence will significantly strengthen the EPA’s ability to monitor and regulate imports effectively, ultimately protecting the country from harmful materials. He called on all stakeholders to work together to maximize the impact of this initiative.

The Deputy Managing Director for Operations at the National Port Authority (NPA), Hon. Emmanuel Horton, Sr., commended the EPA for its foresight in establishing the office. He described the move as a milestone in the ongoing efforts to protect Liberia’s ports from being used as gateways for hazardous materials. Horton assured the EPA of the NPA’s full cooperation to ensure a smooth working relationship between the two entities, emphasizing that this collaboration is in the best interest of the nation.

Rafael S. Ngumbu, Manager for Environmental Research and Radiation Safety at the EPA, underscored the broader significance of the new office. He explained that it represents a commitment to properly manage chemicals, ballast water, and hazardous waste. Ngumbu also revealed plans to establish similar offices at Liberia’s land borders in the future, demonstrating the EPA’s commitment to comprehensive environmental protection. He stated that the opening of the Freeport office is a clear signal to the international community that Liberia will no longer be used as a dumping ground for harmful substances.

The EPA acknowledged the critical role played by its partners, including the leadership of the National Port Authority, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Liberia Revenue Authority, in making the establishment of the office possible. The agency also thanked its dedicated staff and technical teams for their efforts in bringing this vision to fruition.

The Freeport sub-office will facilitate better coordination among various government agencies and improve the regulatory and policy framework for sound chemical management. With a focus on preventing environmental violations, it aims to protect public health and safeguard Liberia’s natural resources.

Dr. Yarkpawolo concluded the event by quoting environmental advocate Annie Leonard: “There is no such thing as ‘away.’ When we throw anything away, it must go somewhere.” He emphasized that the EPA is committed to ensuring that the “somewhere” is safe for both people and the environment.

The dedication of the EPA sub-office at the Freeport of Monrovia marks a significant step forward in Liberia’s environmental governance. It demonstrates a renewed commitment to protecting the country from environmental hazards while promoting sustainable development.