GBARNGA, Bong County — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has clarified that, despite formulating its recently announced noise pollution policy, the agency itself is not responsible for directly enforcing the measure, placing implementation responsibility on city corporations across Liberia.
The clarification was made on Saturday, August 22, 2026, by Timothy Yoko, Special Assistant to EPA Executive Director Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo during his appearance on a local radio talk show.
According to Yoko, the EPA’s role was limited to developing the policy, while its enforcement rests primarily with city corporations across the country.
“We only made the policy, but we are not the implementer,” Yoko said, stressing that city authorities are expected to take the lead in enforcing the measure.
The clarification comes months after the EPA announced restrictions on excessive noise pollution in public spaces, warning business operators, street DJs, bar owners and other establishments against playing music at excessively high volumes.
Under the policy, the Liberia National Police was also mandated to assist in enforcing the measure, including the confiscation of speakers and other sound equipment used by violators.
However, the latest explanation from the EPA has sparked renewed public interest and questions over who ultimately has the legal and operational responsibility to enforce the noise pollution policy.
The development has also fueled broader concerns among members of the public about the clarity of government policies, particularly where responsibility for implementation is shared among multiple public institutions.
With noise pollution remaining a persistent concern in many Liberian communities, the EPA’s clarification is expected to intensify calls for authorities to clearly define the roles of the EPA, city corporations and the Liberia National Police in enforcing the policy.
