Published: July 17, 2026
MONROVIA — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development, describing the dedication of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) permanent headquarters and the commissioning of a state-of-the-art Elemental Analyzer as major milestones in strengthening environmental governance, scientific research and public health.
Speaking Thursday at the dedication ceremony, President Boakai said the new headquarters symbolizes the government’s commitment to ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of Liberia’s natural resources.
“Liberia needs investment and development, but development must be properly regulated to protect communities, prevent pollution, and preserve our forests, wetlands, rivers, coastlines, and other natural resources for present and future generations,” he said.
Boakai disclosed that the government acquired the 1.8-acre property for approximately US$800,000, including taxes and associated fees, well below its assessed market value. The purchase ends years of rental payments while providing the EPA with a permanent home equipped with modern offices, conference facilities and laboratories.
He described the acquisition as a model of prudent fiscal management, saying the government has transformed recurring rental expenses into a lasting national asset.
The President also commissioned an Elemental Analyzer, valued at approximately €100,000 and donated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) after Liberia secured the equipment through a competitive regional selection process.
According to Boakai, the advanced laboratory equipment will enable the EPA to analyze soil, water, sediments, plants and other environmental samples locally, reducing reliance on foreign laboratories and strengthening environmental monitoring, scientific research and evidence-based policymaking.
“The laboratory must serve enforcement, research, education, innovation, and sound policymaking,” he emphasized.
Boakai praised the IAEA and other development partners for supporting Liberia’s environmental sector and highlighted ongoing research collaborations involving the University of Liberia and Manchester Metropolitan University.
Reaffirming his administration’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, the President stressed that environmental protection and economic growth go hand in hand.
“Environmental protection is not an obstacle to development,” he said. “It is the foundation and guardrail for development, ensuring that it is responsible, inclusive, resilient, and lasting.”
Earlier, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo described the acquisition as a transformative achievement for the agency.
He said the EPA had operated from rented buildings for more than 16 years, paying between US$72,000 and US$85,000 annually, before purchasing the new property for approximately US$800,000, significantly below its appraised value of about US$1.3 million.
Yarkpawolo said the headquarters includes nearly 80 offices, conference rooms, a Geographic Information System laboratory, library, warehouse, parking facilities and a modern environmental laboratory.
He disclosed that Liberia secured the only Elemental Analyzer allocated to West Africa under the IAEA regional program after submitting the strongest technical proposal.
The equipment, he said, will support research on soil fertility, climate change, agriculture, mangrove ecosystems and environmental pollution while creating opportunities for Liberian universities and young scientists.
Yarkpawolo also announced plans to establish environmental learning centers in Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa, Sinoe and Maryland counties to expand environmental education and EPA services.
Meanwhile, General Services Agency Director General Galakpai Kortimai said the EPA acquisition forms part of a broader government strategy to reduce dependence on rented office buildings.
He revealed that Liberia spends approximately US$3 million annually renting facilities for ministries, agencies and commissions, arguing that purchasing government buildings is a more sustainable investment.
Kortimai disclosed that the government has already paid about 40 percent of the purchase price for the Liberia Physicians and Surgeons building and is pursuing the acquisition of properties occupied by the Liberia Immigration Service, Liberia National Road Fund, Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission, Liberia Medical and Health Regulatory Authority and the Liberia Medical and Dental Council.
He further proposed an annual US$3 million budget allocation for the acquisition of government properties to gradually eliminate the country’s rental burden while expanding the state’s portfolio of permanent public assets.
The ceremony brought together senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, environmental experts and civil society representatives, underscoring the significance of the milestone for Liberia’s environmental governance and sustainable development agenda.
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