Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-27 01:38:00
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Monrovia is currently facing a legal dispute that has halted its operations. The dispute arose when former Executive Director Prof. Wilson Tarpeh filed a writ of prohibition against the EPA after President Joseph Nyumah Boakai appointed Dr. Emmanuel Urey-Yarkpawolo as the new Acting Executive Director. Prof. Tarpeh claims that his tenure had not yet expired, and he should be compensated for the remaining 43 months of his term before handing over to the new administration.
Chamber Justice Yussif Kaba has reserved a ruling on this matter, which means that the EPA’s functions are currently on hold until a final decision is made. Both parties presented their arguments in court, with Prof. Tarpeh arguing that his appointment by former President George Manneh Weah granted him a seven-year tenure, and President Boakai’s decision to appoint an Acting Executive Director was against the EPA Act.
On the other hand, the EPA and Dr. Urey-Yarkpawolo’s legal team argued that the EPA Act allows for the appointment of an interim Executive Director by the President, and the Interim Executive Director does not have the same seven-year tenure as the Executive Director. They urged the court to deny Prof. Tarpeh’s request and lift the stay order on the EPA.
The legal battle continues as Chamber Justice Kaba deliberates on the dispute, leaving the fate of the EPA uncertain. The outcome of this case could have implications not only for the agency but also for the interpretation of the EPA Act and the appointment process of its executive leadership.
The EPA plays a vital role in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development in Liberia. Its ability to function efficiently and effectively is crucial for the country’s environmental conservation efforts. The current standoff between Prof. Tarpeh and the EPA raises questions about the adherence to legal procedures and the proper management of transitions in leadership within government agencies.
As the court deliberates on this case, the public waits anxiously for a resolution that will determine the future of the EPA and its leadership. The outcome of this legal dispute will have far-reaching consequences for environmental governance in Liberia and could set a precedent for similar cases in the future. It is essential for all parties involved to uphold the rule of law and respect the judicial process to ensure a fair and just outcome for everyone.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
