Monrovia, Liberia, September 2, 2025 — The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has launched a major step toward decentralizing its operations with the deployment of new environmental inspectors to rural counties, a move designed to strengthen environmental compliance and monitoring nationwide.
The deployment ceremony, held at the EPA headquarters in Monrovia, was described as a milestone in extending the agency’s reach beyond the capital and tackling pressing environmental issues in hard-to-reach communities.
In his keynote address, EPA Executive Director Emanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo commended the inspectors for their readiness to serve in rural postings, stressing that their presence was vital to fulfilling the agency’s national mandate.
“Economic activities, urbanization, and schools are expanding beyond Monrovia, and your presence in the rural counties is commendable,” Yarkpawolo said. “No nation develops if its citizens do not take ownership. You, as environmental inspectors, are the foot soldiers of the EPA.”
The Executive Director acknowledged the challenges inspectors face in remote areas and announced plans for salary increments to support those posted outside Monrovia. He also promised continuous training and capacity building, including opportunities for professional travel and further education.
Yarkpawolo urged the inspectors to uphold the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia with integrity and 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 told the team.
The Executive Director further revealed that the EPA is negotiating for ten acres of land to construct a new headquarters, with the current building to be rented out to support staff retirement benefits.
“As of next year, we want our environmental inspectors to march alongside the Armed Forces of Liberia. You are the soldiers of the environment,” he declared.
Senior Officials Encourage Professionalism and Integrity
Other senior EPA leaders also spoke at the ceremony. Edward G. Wingbah, a veteran inspector and now consultant, urged the recruits to remain proactive, recounting his own experience of benefiting from international training while serving in Grand Gedeh County.
R. Baiyezinah Brown, Inspector General, called on inspectors to be uncompromising in enforcing environmental standards. John Jallah, Director of Compliance and Enforcement, reminded them of the importance of professionalism in representing the EPA across Liberia. Anthony S. Kollie, Acting Deputy Executive Director, encouraged teamwork and resilience in facing the demands of rural assignments.
Several inspectors shared their thoughts on the deployment.
Augustine S. Sokan, assigned to Sinoe County, expressed gratitude to the EPA leadership, saying: “The institution has become one of integrity, and we, as inspectors, should model after that example.”
Isaac Jumudeh Weah, newly appointed County Head in Grand Kru, highlighted the significance of the deployment: “Our presence will bring regulation. I’m committed to working with local authorities and communities to promote environmental awareness and protection.”
The full list of newly deployed inspectors includes:
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, part of ongoing internal reshuffling to strengthen environmental governance across all regions.
Strengthening Environmental Governance
The deployment is expected to enhance enforcement of environmental regulations in mining, agriculture, logging, and other economic activities, many of which are concentrated in rural counties. By placing inspectors closer to the communities most affected by environmental risks, the EPA aims to improve monitoring, prevent violations, and promote sustainable development.
Officials believe the initiative will not only bolster compliance but also empower rural communities to play a greater role in protecting natural resources and combating environmental degradation.
As Liberia grapples with challenges ranging from deforestation to pollution, the presence of inspectors across multiple counties is seen as a timely intervention that could mark a turning point in nationwide environmental protection efforts.
