By Amos Harris
The Government of Liberia is strengthening its commitment to environmental cleanliness, public health, and youth empowerment through the Presidential Clean Cities Initiative, a national program designed to improve sanitation while creating vital employment opportunities for young Liberians. Speaking at an event held at Monrovia City Hall on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, Hon. Johnny S. Tarkpah, Deputy Minister for Administration and Acting Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism, described the initiative as a significant step toward building cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous communities across Liberia.
Minister Tarkpah explained that the initiative introduces a sustainable approach to sanitation by transitioning from occasional volunteer cleanup exercises to a structured, institutionalized system. This new framework combines job creation and community participation with close collaboration alongside local municipal authorities. He disclosed that the first phase of the program encompasses more than a dozen cities and townships across eight counties, including Monrovia, Paynesville, Ganta, Gbarnga, Voinjama, Buchanan, Kakata, Tubmanburg, and Zwedru, among other key communities.
According to the Acting Information Minister, approximately 1,250 young Liberians are currently earning a steady income through designated sanitation activities aimed at keeping their neighborhoods clean. He emphasized that the program provides practical employment opportunities while encouraging young citizens to contribute directly to national development. Minister Tarkpah also highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships, explaining that community-based organizations are working hand-in-hand with county and municipal leadership to promote local ownership and ensure that cleanup activities effectively address the daily needs of residents.
Acknowledging earlier municipal sanitation campaigns, including Monrovia’s monthly Clean-Up Day and the popular “Mary Broh Saturday” initiative introduced during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Minister Tarkpah noted that the Presidential Clean Cities Initiative seeks to expand these concepts nationwide through a far more coordinated, permanent, and sustainable framework.
The initiative is projected to deliver substantial public health and economic benefits. Minister Tarkpah emphasized that maintaining cleaner streets, clearing drainage systems, and upholding hygienic markets will significantly reduce sanitation-related health risks, protect families, enhance community aesthetics, and boost Liberia’s appeal to international investors and visitors. Looking ahead, he noted that the program has the potential to unlock secondary economic opportunities in commercial waste collection, recycling, composting, sanitation supervision, and environmental management, transforming basic cleaning activities into viable small businesses and long-term careers for Liberian youth.
To ensure broad public engagement, the Ministry of Information will leverage its flagship Government Town Hall program to increase awareness and inspire citizens to view sanitation as a shared civic responsibility that requires active cooperation among government, local communities, businesses, and individuals. Minister Tarkpah expressed deep appreciation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, municipal leaders, civil society groups, development partners, and the young participants driving the initiative, calling on all Liberians to actively support the national drive toward sustainable development and healthier living environments.
The launch event brought together key official stakeholders, including Monrovia City Mayor John-Charuk Siafa, Deputy Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Bill McGill Jones, Environmental Protection Agency Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, and Minister of Local Government Francis Nyumalin, alongside senior government officials, representatives of civil society organizations, students, and community leaders.
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