MONROVIA – Employee endorsements of institutional leadership are uncommon in public service and often reflect broader perceptions about workplace transformation. At the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the dedication of a permanent headquarters became more than a celebration of infrastructure; it evolved into a public vote of confidence by the Agency’s workforce in the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel King Urey Yarkpawolo and the Boakai administration. While applauding what they described as unprecedented institutional reforms, EPA workers also used the occasion to appeal for greater government investment in environmental protection through increased budgetary support, improved logistics and better staff welfare to sustain the Agency’s expanding national mandate. THE ANALYST reports.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Workers Union has publicly applauded President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. for appointing Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel King Urey Yarkpawolo, crediting his leadership with transforming the Agency through major institutional reforms, infrastructure development and scientific advancement while appealing for increased government support to consolidate those achievements.
Delivering the Union’s statement during Thursday’s dedication of the EPA’s permanent headquarters and commissioning of a state-of-the-art Elemental Analyzer, the leadership of the Workers Union described Dr. Yarkpawolo’s tenure as unprecedented in the Agency’s history, asserting that no previous Executive Director had accomplished comparable institutional progress within such a relatively short period.
Addressing President Boakai directly, the Union said the EPA workforce gathered with “hearts full of profound gratitude, respect and admiration” to acknowledge what members described as the President’s visionary decision to appoint Dr. Yarkpawolo to lead Liberia’s environmental regulatory authority.
According to the Union, the appointment has yielded tangible institutional results that have significantly improved the Agency’s operational capacity and restored confidence among employees.
PRESIDENT’S APPOINTMENT COMMENDED
The Workers Union attributed the Agency’s recent transformation to President Boakai’s leadership and confidence in Dr. Yarkpawolo.
“We are here to extend our highest appreciation to you, Mr. President, for your visionary leadership and your careful, strategic appointment of Dr. Emmanuel King Urey Yarkpawolo as the Executive Director of the EPA,” the Union declared.
According to the statement, the Executive Director has “completely transformed our agency” within only two years and six months in office.
The Union further described him as “a true, heaven-sent leader for the EPA,” asserting that his administration has achieved accomplishments unmatched by any of his predecessors.
The remarks represented one of the strongest public endorsements yet offered by EPA employees regarding the Agency’s current leadership.
TWO MILESTONES HIGHLIGHTED
The Union identified two achievements as defining milestones of Dr. Yarkpawolo’s administration.
First, members celebrated the EPA’s transition from occupying rented office space to owning a permanent headquarters, describing the acquisition as a historic institutional breakthrough.
According to the Union, the purchase has permanently secured a home for the Agency while ending years of dependence on leased facilities.
“From tenant to landlord: After years of renting, the EPA has officially transitioned from a tenant to a proud landlord, securing a permanent home for our institution,” the Workers Union stated.
The second milestone highlighted by employees was the establishment of what they described as a modern, world-class environmental laboratory.
The Union noted that the facility is equipped to undertake advanced scientific work, including carbon monitoring and sophisticated environmental analysis.
According to members, the laboratory significantly strengthens Liberia’s environmental monitoring capacity while positioning the country among regional leaders in climate-related scientific research.
“State-of-the-art laboratory: We have established a modern, world-class laboratory capable of tracking carbon and advanced environmental metrics, positioning Liberia as a leader in climate action,” the statement added.
LEADERSHIP PRAISED
Beyond infrastructure improvements, the Workers Union credited Dr. Yarkpawolo with restoring dignity, professionalism and organizational growth throughout the Agency.
Members described his administration as one characterized by integrity, commitment and inclusive leadership.
According to the Union, these qualities have inspired confidence among employees while creating a more positive working environment.
The statement further urged other members of President Boakai’s Cabinet to emulate the EPA Executive Director’s approach to leadership.
“Dr. Yarkpawolo’s leadership has brought dignity, structural growth and immense progress to our workforce. We are so inspired by his integrity and dedication that we respectfully urge other Cabinet Ministers to follow his exceptional leadership footprints,” the Union declared.
CALL FOR GREATER SUPPORT
While celebrating recent achievements, the Workers Union emphasized that sustaining the Agency’s momentum will require additional government investment.
The Union argued that environmental protection has become increasingly complex and resource-intensive, requiring adequate logistics, operational funding and a motivated workforce.
Members warned that preserving Liberia’s forests, biodiversity and natural ecosystems demands stronger institutional support if the EPA is to effectively discharge its statutory responsibilities.
“As we look to the future, Mr. President, we face a critical reality. If our environment is not securely protected by us today, what kind of environment will we leave behind for our unborn generations?” the Union asked.
APPEAL FOR BUDGET INCREASE
Central to the Union’s appeal was a request for increased budgetary allocation to the EPA.
According to the Workers Union, expanding the Agency’s budget would improve operational logistics, strengthen environmental protection activities and enhance employee welfare.
Members specifically appealed for salaries that better reflect the demanding nature of environmental regulation and the dedication of EPA personnel.
“To sustain this momentum and protect Liberia’s rich biodiversity, we kindly appeal for an increase in the EPA’s budgetary allocation,” the Union stated.
“This vital support will provide the necessary logistics and grant our hardworking staff an acceptable take-home salary commensurate with their dedication.”
The Union maintained that continued investment in the Agency would ultimately benefit Liberia by strengthening environmental governance and promoting sustainable development.
MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE
Concluding its statement, the EPA Workers Union again thanked President Boakai for what it described as his continued support for the Agency and confidence in its leadership.
Members expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work under an administration they believe has prioritized institutional development and environmental governance.
“Thank you, Mr. President, for listening to our plea, for empowering our agency, and for giving us a leader who genuinely cares,” the Union concluded before invoking blessings upon both the President and the Republic of Liberia.
The statement underscored the significance employees attach to the EPA’s recent transformation, while reinforcing their appeal for additional resources to ensure that the gains achieved under the current administration are sustained and expanded in the years ahead.