By Vaye Abel Lepolu
MONROVIA – Former President of the Republic of Liberia, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has commended the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its remarkable growth and institutional development.
On September 2, 2026, the former President visited the EPA compound to witness firsthand the agency’s significant progress. During her tour, she expressed pride in the contributions of individuals who benefited from educational opportunities during her administration and are now making impactful contributions within the EPA.
Madam Sirleaf, who served as Liberia’s President from 2006 to 2017, has taken on an advisory and advocacy role in support of the EPA’s mission. She noted that her visit revealed a strong culture of capacity building at the agency, and she particularly highlighted the EPA’s laboratory as one of the most advanced environmental laboratories in Africa.
Reflecting on leadership, the former President emphasized that true leadership demands responsibility, integrity, and accountability. She praised the agency’s Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, for demonstrating exemplary leadership within the EPA and in his previous roles. She called on all Liberians—whether in public or private institutions—to emulate Dr. Yarkpawolo’s attributes for the nation’s benefit.
Addressing the EPA’s technical team, Madam Sirleaf underscored Liberia’s reliance on their expertise to ensure environmental resilience and effective climate action. She noted that while the global environment faces mounting challenges, countries must strengthen their environmental institutions and technical capacities to tackle these pressing issues.
Concluding her visit, the former President reaffirmed her commitment to the EPA by pledging to advocate for the agency’s work on the international stage during her global engagements.
