By: Laymah E. Kollie
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has issued a clarification regarding the recent Associated Press (AP) and Gecko Project investigation on Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC), which cited alleged environmental incidents affecting Jikandor and surrounding communities.
EPA Head of Media and Corporate Communications Danise Love Dennis-Dodoo acknowledged the role of investigative journalism in promoting public accountability but stressed the need to provide factual context on regulatory actions.
The Agency noted that the incidents referenced occurred between 2016 and 2023, before the current leadership assumed office in February 2024.Since then, the EPA said it has strengthened enforcement, transparency, and scientific monitoring under Liberia’s Environmental Protection and Management Law.
The Agency emphasized that all reported pollution incidents were formally investigated through field inspections, laboratory testing, and public disclosure, with remedial directives issued to BMMC, including safe water provision, independent environmental assessments, corrective works on the Tailings Storage Facility, and the relocation of Jikandor Village with legal and compensation arrangements.The EPA also addressed claims that enforcement was lax, describing them as inaccurate.
It highlighted expanded inspector deployment, mandated independent audits, international technical training, and a modern national environmental laboratory capable of real-time industrial effluent analysis.
The Agency confirmed it provided the AP with detailed responses during the story’s preparation and reiterated its commitment to enforce environmental standards “without fear or favor,” while encouraging balanced reporting and continued collaboration with media and partners.
