Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-18 01:26:00
The Supreme Court of Liberia has taken a significant decision by suspending all activities of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pending a hearing into a Writ of Prohibition filed by former EPA executive director Professor Wilson K. Tarpeh. This action stems from Professor Tarpeh’s demand for 43 months’ salary for his uncompleted tenure. The decision was made by Chamber Justice Yussif Kaba, who halted all EPA functions until a final decision is reached.
Professor Tarpeh’s petition revolves around the fact that he has 43 months remaining in his office and should be compensated for this period before his exit or before turning over to the new administration. According to him, his appointment letter is dated October 2, 2020, and he should be paid for the full term as specified in the EPA Act.
Legal experts have raised concerns about the speedy appointment, Senate confirmation, and commissioning of Professor Tarpeh, which they claim has never happened before in Liberian history. They question the process of Senate confirmation, which is not mandated by the EPA Act but is instead based on recruitment by the Policy Council. It has been noted that Professor Tarpeh was not appointed from a list of three names submitted by the Policy Council, as required by law.
The absence of the National Environmental Policy Council during Professor Tarpeh’s appointment has also raised issues regarding the legitimacy of his tenure. President Weah’s Executive Order 123 states that non-tenured Presidential appointees are presumed to have resigned as of the date of inauguration. This led to a dispute between Professor Tarpeh and EPA workers, who requested the appointment of a new Acting Executive Director pending the formation of the Policy Council.
On February 15, 2024, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai appointed Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo as Acting Director of the EPA in the absence of the Policy Council. Professor Tarpeh formally turned over the EPA to Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo on February 19, 2024. The controversy surrounding Professor Tarpeh’s tenure and compensation highlights the need for clarity and adherence to legal processes in appointments to key positions within government agencies.
In conclusion, the suspension of EPA activities due to the Writ of Prohibition filed by Professor Wilson K. Tarpeh underscores the importance of upholding legal procedures in appointments and terminations within governmental institutions. The outcome of this case will likely set a precedent for future appointments and compensation claims, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in the governance of environmental protection entities.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
