Published: September 2, 2026
MONROVIA — Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has praised Environmental Protection Agency Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo for what she described as transformative leadership at the EPA, saying his decision to remain in Liberia and serve the country despite being qualified for high-level opportunities abroad sends a powerful message about patriotism, integrity and national service.
Sirleaf’s commendation comes weeks after President Joseph Nyuma Boakai similarly celebrated Yarkpawolo’s leadership during the dedication of the EPA’s headquarters, describing the environmental scientist as a “gift to this nation.”
The former president made the remarks Tuesday, Sept. 1, during a visit to the EPA headquarters in Monrovia, where she met with the agency’s senior management team and toured key technical facilities, including its Geographic Information System Laboratory and Environmental Laboratory.
The visit allowed Sirleaf to observe some of the EPA’s work in environmental monitoring, data management, research and evidence-based environmental decision-making.
But beyond the agency’s technical operations, Sirleaf placed particular emphasis on Yarkpawolo’s leadership and what she described as his choice to put service to Liberia ahead of the personal comfort and financial opportunities he could pursue elsewhere.
“What he has accomplished, as I look through his bio, is so exceptional,” Sirleaf said.
“He could be in any high-level position, anywhere in the world. He chose to serve this country. That’s a tremendous message to every Liberian,” she added.
Sirleaf said Yarkpawolo’s decision demonstrates the importance of Liberians with the requisite expertise and experience choosing to contribute to their country’s development rather than pursuing only personal opportunities abroad.
She also highlighted what she termed “leadership with integrity,” saying the principle particularly resonated with her as she assessed the EPA’s work and its leadership.
“I am so proud of you. I am proud of you, Director. I am proud of each and every one of you,” Sirleaf told Yarkpawolo and EPA employees.
She said the passion and commitment of the agency’s workforce were evident in the way employees discussed their responsibilities and encouraged them to maintain high professional standards.
“Continue to be strong. Continue to be a professional,” she urged.
The former president’s assessment adds to recent public praise from Boakai, who hailed Yarkpawolo during the dedication of the EPA headquarters and characterized him as a “gift to this nation.”
The remarks from the two presidents come as the EPA under Yarkpawolo seeks to strengthen its technical and regulatory capacity, including environmental monitoring, research, laboratory services and data-driven decision-making.
Sirleaf stressed that Liberia’s development cannot rest on the shoulders of a president or any single government institution, arguing that national progress requires citizens and public servants to fulfill their respective responsibilities.
“Not even a President can do it alone. A President will only succeed if the people do their part,” she said.
She also pointed to changes in the global development landscape, saying countries can no longer rely entirely on international assistance to address their challenges.
Instead, Sirleaf said Liberia must strengthen its own national vision, mobilize its citizens and institutions and take greater responsibility for achieving its development goals.
The former president pledged to support Yarkpawolo and the EPA by promoting the agency’s work internationally and helping increase recognition of its environmental efforts.
“I will be following him and his work. As I travel, my obligation is to continue to be an ambassador of Liberia, so I would be able to say to people what I know the EPA is doing,” Sirleaf said.
She also expressed willingness to use her influence and international engagements to support the EPA’s efforts to mobilize resources needed to carry out its mandate.
“Anything I can do, I would give him the kind of support that he needs, the recognition that he needs, the ability for him to mobilize the resources that he needs for him to be able to do this work,” she added.
Sirleaf encouraged the EPA leadership and employees to remain focused on professionalism, integrity and results, saying their commitment demonstrates the broader role public servants can play in moving Liberia forward.
Her endorsement, following Boakai’s recent description of Yarkpawolo as a “gift to this nation,” places renewed attention on the EPA executive director’s stewardship of the agency and the broader expectation that qualified Liberians can choose national service over opportunities for greater personal comfort elsewhere.
