By Amos Harris
President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. on Thursday officially dedicated the newly acquired headquarters of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Mamba Point, describing the investment as a major step toward strengthening environmental governance and sustainable national development. The ceremony also featured the commissioning of a state-of-the-art Elemental Analyzer for the EPA’s laboratory, an instrument expected to significantly improve the agency’s scientific research and environmental monitoring capabilities. Held under the theme “Tenant to Ownership,” the event celebrated the government’s transition from renting office space to securing a permanent, government-owned headquarters.
Addressing officials and development partners, President Boakai said the new headquarters and advanced laboratory equipment demonstrate Liberia’s commitment to responsible governance, environmental protection, and sustainable economic growth. He stressed that Liberia’s rich natural resources, including its forests, wetlands, rivers, and biodiversity, must be developed responsibly to ensure long-term national prosperity without compromising the ecosystem.
“The headquarters and the new elemental analyzer symbolize Liberia’s commitment to stronger governance, responsible development, and the protection of our natural heritage,” President Boakai declared, calling for a balanced approach that promotes both economic progress and environmental sustainability.
Providing an overview of the project, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo explained that the agency had previously been spending US$72,000 annually on rent, an amount that eventually climbed to US$85,000 at its last leased location. These rising costs prompted the decision to invest in a permanent facility. Dr. Yarkpawolo disclosed that the government acquired the 1.8-acre property for approximately US$800,000, including taxes and associated fees, which is significantly below its lowest independent valuation of US$1.3 million. He described the purchase as a strategic investment that successfully converts recurring rental expenses into a valuable national asset.
The expansive new EPA headquarters features nearly 80 offices, three conference rooms, four reception areas, 24 bathrooms, a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) laboratory, and a library. It also includes comprehensive staff workspaces, parking facilities, a warehouse, a generator house, and a secured perimeter. To align with green energy standards, the entire facility is powered by a modern 60-kilowatt solar energy system designed to provide reliable, environmentally friendly electricity for daily operations.
Dr. Yarkpawolo noted that the upgraded environmental laboratory now contains specialized sections dedicated to Radiation Safety, Water Quality, Marine Studies, and Instrumental Analysis. This setup will strengthen the EPA’s capacity to conduct pollution investigations, environmental compliance assessments, scientific research, and complex sample testing.
A central highlight of the upgraded lab is the newly installed Elemental Analyzer, valued at approximately €100,000. The equipment was provided through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regional program for West Africa and will support research on soil fertility, organic carbon, and climate change, while expanding training and collaboration opportunities for universities and young Liberian scientists.
Beyond Monrovia, the EPA is actively expanding its national footprint. The agency has acquired three acres of land in Bong County for the construction of a regional laboratory, and negotiations are underway to establish additional environmental learning centers in Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa, Sinoe, and Maryland Counties to improve environmental monitoring, public education, and localized access to EPA services.
Dr. Yarkpawolo further disclosed that, with support from Canadian partners, the EPA has established a National Climate Change Laboratory equipped with a 32-kilowatt solar system, alongside installing a 28-kilowatt solar system at the Ministry of Mines and Energy. Additionally, the agency is partnering with the Monrovia City Corporation to operate a US$100,000 composting facility in Fiamah that converts organic waste into compost, actively advancing Liberia’s clean energy and environmental sustainability agenda.