Monrovia, Liberia – One year after his appointment as Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo has earned widespread public approval for his leadership. A recent survey conducted in February 2025 reveals that 90.29% of respondents believe the EPA has performed well under his stewardship, with only 2.91% expressing dissatisfaction and 6.8% remaining uncertain.
Dr. Yarkpawolo’s journey to the helm of the EPA was not without hurdles. Appointed Acting Executive Director by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. on February 16, 2024, he made an unprecedented move by publicly declaring his assets just three days later, setting a tone of transparency and accountability. However, his appointment faced a legal challenge that lasted nearly two months before the Supreme Court ruled in his favor. By May 2024, following a rigorous vetting process, he was formally confirmed as the EPA’s Executive Director.
The survey, launched to assess the EPA’s performance under Dr. Yarkpawolo’s leadership, highlights significant public trust in the agency’s work. An impressive 85.44% of respondents acknowledged experiencing the positive effects of the EPA’s interventions, while only 3.4% disagreed and 11.17% were uncertain. These results suggest that the agency’s initiatives—ranging from pollution control and policy enforcement to climate resilience education—are making a tangible impact.
However, the 11.17% uncertainty rate indicates a need for improved public engagement and information dissemination to ensure all citizens are aware of the EPA’s contributions.
While 63.59% of respondents expressed overall satisfaction with the EPA’s performance, 32.04% rated their experience as average, and 4.37% were dissatisfied. Analysts suggest that these figures point to areas where the agency can enhance its efforts. Recommendations include direct community engagement, follow-up surveys, and refining strategies based on public feedback.
The survey also revealed a strong public demand for a more comprehensive environmental strategy. A striking 74.27% of respondents urged the EPA to adopt an integrated approach, addressing multiple environmental challenges simultaneously. Specific concerns included wetland protection (13.11%), air pollution (7.77%), and noise pollution (4.85%). This feedback underscores the need for the EPA to strengthen policies in areas such as wetland conservation, pollution control, and urban environmental management.
Dr. Yarkpawolo’s tenure has been marked by both achievements and challenges. From navigating a legal battle to securing public trust, his leadership has been tested at every turn. The survey results reflect confidence in his ability to lead the EPA effectively, with citizens recognizing the agency’s efforts in enforcing environmental regulations, addressing critical issues, and raising public awareness.
To build on this momentum, experts recommend several steps for the EPA: Enhanced Public Communication: Increase outreach through community programs and media updates to keep citizens informed, Stronger Policy Implementation: Tackle deforestation, illegal mining, and pollution with more robust enforcement measures, Expanded Community Engagement, Encourage local participation in environmental governance and decision-making, Multi-Sectoral Partnerships, and Collaborate with government and non-government stakeholders to amplify impact.
