By: Samuel Flomo, Jr.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been forced into action after mounting public anger over a chemical spill linked to MNG Gold in Money Sweet Town, Bong County—an incident residents say has already damaged farms, contaminated water sources, and exposed long-standing regulatory failures.
EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo at the weekend led a high-level delegation to the affected community in what the agency describes as a “fact-finding mission,” following widespread allegations that hazardous chemicals from MNG Gold operations leaked into the environment with devastating consequences.
The visit comes amid growing criticism that mining activities in Bong County continue with weak oversight, leaving rural communities to bear the environmental and health risks.
During the mission, EPA laboratory technicians and environmental scientists collected soil samples from the reported spill site and from soil excavated by MNG Gold within its operational area.
A water sample was also taken from a community hand pump in Money Sweet Town, which residents suspect has been contaminated by the spill.
Dr. Yarkpawolo held closed-door and open engagements with multiple stakeholders, including the EPA County Inspector, EPA staff who reportedly escorted the vehicle transporting the chemicals, MNG Gold’s environmental team and community liaison officer, as well as community members and farmers whose cash crops were allegedly destroyed.
Affected farmers say the spill has left crops withering and land unusable, raising fears about food security and long-term environmental damage if swift action is not taken.
In a move seen by some residents as damage control rather than decisive enforcement, the EPA Executive Director announced the formation of a five-member community committee, chaired by Mr. Charles Sweet, the recognized focus person for the affected communities.
The committee is expected to serve as a liaison between residents and investigators during the probe.
Dr. Yarkpawolo promised that laboratory findings would be made public in the coming days and disseminated through radio stations in Gbarnga.
However, community members say similar assurances in past environmental cases have failed to result in accountability.
The fact-finding mission brought together representatives from the Union of Bong County Associations in America (UBCAA), including Country Representative Margaret Weah, Bong County Development Officer Mr. Sedekie Homosapien Kromah, environmental experts, and local residents.
As investigations continue, pressure is mounting on both the EPA and the Government of Liberia to move beyond assessments and ensure that MNG Gold is held fully accountable if found responsible before another community pays the price for mining without responsibility.