Liberia: UBCAA Urges Full Environmental Probe After Reported Chemical Leak in Money Sweet Town, Bong County - FrontPageAfrica

Bong County — The United Bong County Association in the Americas (UBCAA) has called for an immediate and independent environmental investigation and decisive action by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia and the Bong County Administration following a reported chemical spill in Money Sweet Town, District Two, Bong County. 

By Selma Lomax selma.lomax@frontpageafricaonline.com

The association says the incident has raised serious public health and environmental concerns among residents of the affected community.

According to information gathered by UBCAA, the incident reportedly occurred on the night of January 18, 2026, at about 9:15 pm, when a logistics vehicle transporting industrial chemicals to the MNG Gold mining site caught fire while in transit. 

Community members said the blaze caused the chemical container to rupture and leak, releasing hazardous substances into the surrounding soil and environment.

UBCAA said its concerns are based on findings from a fact finding mission conducted on January 27, 2026, by a high level delegation of its Liberia Program. 

During the visit, the delegation met with community leaders, local residents, and eyewitnesses in Money Sweet Town, who provided firsthand accounts of the incident and its effects on the community.

Eyewitnesses told the delegation that industrial chemicals, believed by residents to be hydrochloric acid or a similar toxic substance, spilled directly onto the ground following the incident.

Residents expressed fear that the chemicals may have contaminated nearby water sources, farmlands, and rubber plantations, which serve as the primary means of livelihood for many families in the area.

Within twenty four hours of the incident, approximately one hundred and twenty two residents, including women and children, reportedly began experiencing health complications. 

These included skin irritation, breathing difficulties, and other related symptoms, which heightened concerns about potential long term health and environmental consequences.

UBCAA noted that these findings contradict conclusions from an earlier joint assessment reportedly carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency and MNG Gold. Residents of Money Sweet Town have rejected that assessment, arguing that it relied mainly on visual inspection and did not include independent laboratory testing to scientifically determine the presence or extent of contamination.

On January 30, 2026, UBCAA notified the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, through a letter signed by the organization’s National President, Caimon Joe Gbarmokollie. 

In the letter, the association referenced provisions of the Environmental Protection Agency Act of Liberia, which mandate the agency to investigate pollution incidents and take necessary actions to protect public health and the environment.

UBCAA stressed that visual assessments alone are inadequate in cases involving suspected chemical exposure and called on the EPA to conduct independent laboratory testing of soil, groundwater, and surface water in affected areas. 

The association also urged the agency to publicly release scientifically verified findings, issue an Environmental Restoration Order where contamination is confirmed or reasonably suspected, and deploy environmental inspectors to ensure compliance with environmental laws.

The association further emphasized that the EPA Act guarantees every Liberian the right to a clean and healthy environment, including access to restoration and compensation when environmental harm occurs.

In a separate letter addressed to Bong County Superintendent, Loleyah Hawa Norris, UBCAA requested immediate intervention from the county administration. The association noted that a previous communication dated January 19, 2026, had received no response. While acknowledging the statutory role of the EPA, UBCAA said the Bong County Administration also has a responsibility to protect residents and ensure that companies operating within the county are held accountable for environmental and public health impacts.

UBCAA urged the county administration to advocate for independent scientific testing in affected areas, ensure residents receive clear and timely information regarding health and environmental risks, support enforcement actions requiring MNG Gold to remediate any confirmed or suspected contamination, and facilitate a multi stakeholder dialogue involving the EPA, county authorities, the company, and community leaders.

As part of its recommendations, UBCAA proposed a structured engagement process focused on evidence based environmental remediation, access to safe drinking water, and the protection of public health for residents of Money Sweet Town. The association is requesting written responses from both the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bong County Administration outlining plans for independent laboratory testing, monitoring and enforcement measures, and interim health and environmental safety actions while awaiting test results.

UBCAA stated that it remains available to provide field notes, eyewitness testimonies, and documented findings from its January 27, 2026 engagement with community members, as efforts continue to address the reported chemical spill and its potential impact on the affected community.