3 Mins Read
ADDNews-BONG COUNTY, Liberia: Residents of Money Sweet Town in Electoral District No. 2, Bong County, have formally rejected the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final report on the hydrochloric acid spill involving MNG Gold, describing the findings as contradictory, non-transparent, and lacking scientific credibility.
By Jangar Boimah Johnson
In their report, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia says the hydrochloric acid spill reported near Money Sweet Town in Jorquelleh District #2, Bong County, was localized, properly contained, and did not pose any long-term environmental or groundwater risk.
However, in a press statement issued Saturday, February 7, 2026, right after the report, the affected community challenged the EPA’s conclusions regarding the January 18, 2026 chemical spill, arguing that the report appears designed to justify the Agency’s earlier claim that the incident posed no long-term environmental or public health risks.
According to the residents, the EPA made its initial public declaration before conducting any air, water, or soil testing, a move they say undermines the integrity and objectivity of the Agency’s final assessment.
Community members further questioned the EPA’s assertion that air testing was unnecessary. They cited comments allegedly made on January 19, 2026, by the EPA’s Bong County representative, Madam Christina Kollie, who reportedly informed residents that air, soil, and water testing were required due to the hazardous nature of the chemical, believed to be hydrochloric acid.
“This contradiction raises serious concerns about the reliability of the EPA’s findings,” the statement said.
The residents also disputed the EPA’s claim that it has trained 20 chemical handlers nationwide to escort hazardous materials during transportation. They said no such handler was present at the scene of the accident to provide guidance, safety education, or emergency response.
According to the statement, residents themselves assisted the truck driver in controlling the fire, while the only external response observed was the later arrival of a water truck from MNG Gold.
While acknowledging that some soil sampling was conducted transparently during the EPA’s fact-finding mission, including samples taken upstream, downstream, and at the containment trench — the community expressed concern over the handling of excavated materials removed from the site and transported to MNG Gold’s premises.
Residents said testing of those materials was not done openly, and no preliminary results were shared with the community, unlike the on-site soil tests, further fueling mistrust and concerns over accountability.
The statement disclosed that approximately 140 residents have sought medical treatment at the Manowinsue Clinic since the spill. Health workers reportedly documented symptoms including skin irritation, throat itching, and diarrhea, which residents strongly believe are linked to exposure from the chemical spill.
In response to these unresolved issues, the people of Money Sweet Town announced plans to engage an independent investigative body to conduct a comprehensive environmental assessment of the affected area. They insist that the investigation must include independent and transparent testing of air, water, and soil samples.
While commending the intervention of the Bong County Legislative Caucus led by Senator Prince Moye, the Bong County Administration headed by Superintendent Loleyah Hawa Norris, and the United Bong Citizens Association in the Americas, the residents said an independent investigation remains the only path to restoring public confidence and ensuring justice.
The community has also called on the media, civil society organizations, county authorities, and lawmakers to amplify their concerns, stressing that the issue involves public health, environmental safety, and human lives and warrants urgent national attention.
The statement was signed by Charles M. Sweet, focus person for Money Sweet Town; Town Chief Mary Dolo; and Chief Elder James Kollie.
Comments are closed.