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By: Emmett S. Yarsiah Jr.
Bong County Reporter
GBARNGA, Bong County – February 25, 2026 – The United Bong County Association in the Americas (UBCAA) has announced an independent investigation into the January 18, 2026 hydrochloric acid (HCl) spill in Money Sweet Town, Bong Electoral District #2, involving MNG Gold Liberia.
The incident occurred on January 18 when a truck transporting hydrochloric acid was involved in an accident near Money Sweet Town. The chemical was being transported for MNG Gold Liberia by Everest Company, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-certified hazardous goods transporter. Authorities say fire from burning tires damaged one of the containers, causing an estimated 40 liters of hydrochloric acid to spill.
In response to growing public concern, UBCAA has appointed Mr. Moses S. Bailey, an internationally recognized and award-winning journalist, to lead the independent review.
UBCAA National President, Caimon Joe Gbamokollie, said the investigation will provide a structured and evidence-based assessment of the incident. He explained that the review will focus on the possible impact on human health, environmental and regulatory compliance, and whether response measures followed Liberia’s environmental protection laws and internationally accepted best practices.
The decision follows a February 10, 2026 petition from residents of Money Sweet Town requesting an independent review after the Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia released its final report.
The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia announced its findings on February 7, 2026, at the Bong County Athletic and Social Intellectual Center in Gbarnga. EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel King-Urey Yarkpawolo addressed the media after an environmental assessment conducted on February 6.
According to the EPA, MNG Gold Liberia activated its emergency response team immediately after the accident. The fire was extinguished, the area secured, and containment, neutralization, and excavation of affected soil were carried out under EPA supervision.
The EPA confirmed that the spill occurred but concluded that it was properly contained and does not pose any long-term environmental or groundwater risk.
Laboratory tests on soil and water samples reportedly found no chemical contamination linked to hydrochloric acid. Soil samples showed near-neutral pH levels, while hydrogeological studies indicated very low soil permeability, making groundwater contamination unlikely.
Water samples taken from a nearby hand pump showed no acid contamination or heavy metals. However, microbiological testing revealed serious bacterial contamination, which the EPA attributed to poor sanitation rather than the chemical spill. Residents were advised not to drink the water until it is properly cleaned and treated.
The EPA stated that air quality testing was not necessary because hydrochloric acid was transported in liquid form, does not easily vaporize, and the volume spilled was limited.
Regarding health concerns, the EPA noted that about 140 residents reportedly sought medical attention between January 24 and January 26. However, the agency said no scientific link has been established between the reported illnesses and the spill, adding that such assessments fall under the Ministry of Health.
The EPA recommended improved emergency response procedures by MNG Gold Liberia, stronger community risk communication, continuous environmental monitoring, and enhanced emergency preparedness training. Health and crop damage complaints were referred to the Ministries of Health and Agriculture.
The agency reaffirmed that no company is above Liberia’s environmental laws and expressed willingness to cooperate with civil society organizations or any recognized independent environmental agency seeking further verification.
While acknowledging the EPA’s findings, UBCAA maintains that certain aspects of the report require further independent review. These include the timing of environmental testing, possible respiratory exposure, soil analysis related to chloride compounds, reported health complaints, and whether atmospheric dispersion modeling was conducted in areas where fire or smoke was observed.
UBCAA emphasized that the independent investigation is not intended to undermine any institution but to promote transparency, accountability, and public confidence.
The Association is calling on residents, the Bong County Legislative Caucus, the Bong County Administration, the EPA, and MNG Gold Liberia to cooperate fully with the investigative team.
The final independent report is expected to provide a transparent record of findings to support informed dialogue and strengthen long-term environmental and public health safeguards in Bong County.
