Article: The EPA- A definitive example of why strong leadership is nonnegotiable in Liberia
By Seltue Karweaye
Years ago, I ceased asking questions when I encountered Liberians who wore their frustration like a heavy cloak, seemingly angry with the very fabric of our nation. The reality is stark: Liberia is beset by numerous challenges—from a faltering education system that leaves the youth unprepared to rampant government corruption that undermines public trust. The absence of social services creates a void filled with desperation, while poverty stretches across communities like a shadow. Personality cults thrive, and the echoes of discontentment murmur in the background. All of this unfolds under the watchful gaze of leaders entrusted with guiding over 5 million citizens toward hope and progress.
In recent weeks, during my journey through the bustling streets of Monrovia and its surrounding areas, I witnessed a disturbing old reality: environmental pollution. It became painfully evident that millions of Liberians are unaware of the dire consequences tied to poor waste management. Successive governments appear to have turned a deaf ear to these pressing issues, resembling a ship adrift without a captain, while regulators seem lethargic, only waking when payday draws near.
In Liberia, urbanization has increased the amount of waste generated. Currently, there is no sustainable disposal method, as unsorted waste is dumped in an unsanitary landfill that is beginning to reach capacity. The Liberian government aims to create a circular economy and is working to address waste management issues; however, progress has been slow. Recognizing the need for sustainable waste management solutions, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), reached out to civil society organizations and donor communication services to announce the publication of the long-awaited National Solid Waste Management Policy (NSWMP) and sought their support for its implementation. The new policy encourages active participation from private service providers in the solid waste management sector, with the EPA committed to adhering to its guiding principles in sanitation service delivery.
Waste management is a critical challenge in Liberia, where inadequate practices have resulted in serious environmental and health problems, such as soil degradation, pollution, and water and air contamination. However, under the leadership of Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has shown that it is possible to address this challenge. The EPA is implementing innovative waste management strategies, policies, and programs focused on reducing waste, promoting recycling and reuse, and encouraging a cleaner, more sustainable environment.
Since taking over as the EPA’s Executive Director, Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo has successfully calmed the internal turmoil at the agency. In just nine months, he has transformed the EPA into a vibrant entity responsible for enforcing all environmental laws, guidelines, policies, standards, and regulations in Liberia. This includes ensuring compliance with the international agreements, protocols, conventions, and treaties related to the environment that Liberia has signed. The EPA’s responsibilities also encompass the protection and development of the environment, biodiversity conservation, and the sustainable management of Liberia’s natural resources. Moreover, the agency fosters coordination and collaboration with relevant stakeholders both within and outside Liberia regarding the enforcement of environmental standards and regulations.
Under Dr. Yarkpawolo’s leadership, the EPA has taken decisive action against several entities for soil pollution and environmental degradation. These actions included fining the United Africa Minerals Cooperation $30,000, imposing a $20,000 fine on the Edgail Recycling Facility, ordering the shutdown of the Conex MD SOW and Associates Slaughterhouse in Careysburg, and prohibiting the further acceptance of cows.
Also, the EPA took a decisive step by shutting down China Union’s iron ore operations in Bong Mines, a staggering $2.6 billion investment, due to serious environmental violations. This move was prompted by the company operating without an effluent discharge license, constructing a processing plant without a permit, and irresponsibly discharging tailings into a wetland.
Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo’s exemplary leadership at the EPA underscores a critical truth: Liberia’s challenges are fundamentally rooted in a lack of effective leadership. There is nothing inherently wrong with Liberia’s character, land, climate, or water. Instead, the real issue is the reluctance or inability of its leaders to embrace the responsibilities and set a personal example that true leadership demands.
Effective leadership provides both direction and purpose, not just for oneself but for everyone under one’s care. Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo has crafted a compelling vision, leading by example and empowering his team at the EPA. His ability to inspire and connect with employees has brought out their best, as he offers coaching and constructive feedback that fuels their growth.
In stark contrast, during Professor Wilson Tarpeh’s tenure as Executive Director of the EPA, employees felt compelled to protest his resignation. Today, they wholeheartedly embrace Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo, recognizing the transformative impact of his principled leadership.
The path to Liberia’s success lies not in seeking assistance from the West, but in empowering its citizens. While Western help often comes with strings attached, Liberia needs a self-driven movement toward progress. To thrive, Liberia must uphold democracy and the rule of law with strong checks and balances. Judicial reforms, transparency, and accountability in governance are essential. Strengthening vital institutions—like the legal system, civil service, and financial sector—will enable Liberia to leverage its rich natural and human resources effectively.
Liberia’s challenges must be addressed by Liberians themselves—no one else is responsible for the nation’s future. The answer lies in embracing purposeful, accountable, and service-oriented leadership, leaders who are committed to delivering tangible results for their constituents. We can look to figures like Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo at the EPA as examples of the impactful leadership needed to drive Liberia toward a brighter, self-sufficient future.
