By Stephanie M. Duncan
Newly acquired headquarters of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was dedicated yesterday along with a state-of-the-art Elemental Analyzer, with President Joseph Boakai who performed the task describing the development as a major step toward strengthening environmental governance, scientific research, and sustainable development in Liberia.
President Boakai in remarks at the dedication ceremony said the new facility reflects Liberia’s commitment to responsible development while protecting the country’s natural resources for future generations.
He emphasized that the EPA plays a critical role in ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of Liberia’s forests, wetlands, rivers, coastlines, and other environmental assets.
“Liberia needs investment and development, but development must be properly regulated to protect communities, prevent pollution, and preserve our natural heritage,” the President said.
President Boakai noted that the acquisition of the EPA headquarters marks a significant institutional achievement, providing the agency with a permanent home equipped with modern offices, conference facilities, and a laboratory for scientific testing and environmental monitoring.
According to the President, the property, including 1.8 acres of land, was acquired for approximately US$800,000, including taxes and fees, an amount he said was significantly below its assessed market value. He added that owning the property will eliminate the government’s recurring rental expenses while converting public spending into a permanent national asset.
The President commended EPA Executive Director Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo and the agency’s staff for what he described as prudent leadership and sound financial management in securing the facility.
Boakai also commissioned an Elemental Analyzer valued at €100,000, donated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through a competitive process. He said the equipment will strengthen Liberia’s capacity to analyze soil, water, sediments, plants, and other environmental samples.
The President explained that the new technology will support environmental regulation, agricultural research, water quality monitoring, pollution assessment, and academic research while reducing Liberia’s dependence on foreign laboratories for scientific analysis.
He noted that the equipment will improve the country’s ability to generate reliable scientific data, strengthen regulatory decision-making, and provide valuable training opportunities for Liberian scientists and students.
President Boakai also praised the IAEA and other development partners for supporting Liberia’s environmental sector. He further recognized the EPA’s collaboration with the University of Liberia and Manchester Metropolitan University, particularly in research on Liberia’s mangrove ecosystems and their carbon storage capacity.
Calling on EPA officials to properly maintain both the new headquarters and laboratory equipment, the President urged the agency to operate the facility according to internationally recognized standards and use it to advance environmental enforcement, scientific research, education, and evidence-based policymaking.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development while ensuring that environmental protection remains central to Liberia’s development efforts.
“Environmental protection is not an obstacle to development; it is the foundation and guardrail for development, ensuring it is responsible, inclusive, resilient, and lasting,” President Boakai said.
He concluded by officially dedicating the EPA headquarters and commissioning the Elemental Analyzer, expressing hope that the new facility will strengthen environmental governance, promote scientific innovation, protect public health, and contribute to a cleaner and more prosperous Liberia.
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