Money Sweet Town Residents Report Health Concerns as Diaspora Group Presses for Science-based Action and Environmental Accountability
The United Bong County Association in the Americas (UBCAA) has called for an independent investigation and urgent corrective measures following a chemical spill in Money Sweet Town, District #2, Bong County, raising renewed concerns about public health and environmental safety in mining-affected communities.
The incident occurred on January 19, 2026, at about 9:15 p.m., when a logistics truck transporting industrial chemicals to the MNG Gold mining site reportedly caught fire and overturned near Money Sweet Town. According to community accounts, the accident led to the release of hazardous substances into the surrounding environment.
UBCAA’s intervention follows a fact-finding mission conducted on January 27, 2026, during which a high-level delegation of the association’s Liberia Program met with local leaders, residents, and eyewitnesses to assess the situation on the ground. The delegation documented testimonies pointing to potential chemical contamination of soil and nearby water sources.
Health and Environmental Fears Mount
Eyewitnesses told UBCAA that the spilled substance was believed to be hydrochloric acid or a similar industrial chemical. Residents expressed fear that farmland, rubber plantations, and water sources—critical to the community’s livelihoods—may have been contaminated.
Within 24 hours of the spill, approximately 122 residents, including women and children, reportedly experienced symptoms such as skin irritation, breathing difficulties, and other health-related complaints. These reports have heightened anxiety in the community and intensified calls for immediate medical and environmental intervention.
UBCAA noted that its findings differ from an earlier joint assessment reportedly conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and MNG Gold. Community members have questioned that assessment, citing the absence of independent laboratory testing to scientifically determine the extent of contamination.
Formal Engagement with Authorities
On January 30, 2026, UBCAA formally wrote the EPA’s Executive Director/CEO, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, invoking provisions of the EPA Act of Liberia that mandate the Agency to investigate pollution incidents and protect public health.
In its communication, UBCAA stressed that visual inspections alone are insufficient in incidents involving hazardous chemicals. The association urged the EPA to conduct independent laboratory testing of soil, groundwater, and surface water; publicly disclose verified scientific findings; and, where contamination is confirmed or reasonably suspected, issue an Environmental Restoration Order and enforce compliance with environmental laws.
UBCAA emphasized that the EPA Act guarantees every Liberian the right to a clean and healthy environment, including access to remedies, restoration, and compensation where harm occurs.
Appeal to Bong County Leadership
In a separate letter to Bong County Superintendent Hon. Loleyah Hawa Norris, UBCAA requested immediate county-level intervention, noting that an earlier correspondence dated January 19 had not received a response.
While acknowledging the EPA’s statutory authority, UBCAA underscored the role of county leadership in safeguarding residents and ensuring accountability by companies operating within Bong County. The association called on the County Administration to advocate for independent testing, ensure clear communication to residents about health risks, and support enforcement actions requiring remediation by MNG Gold if contamination is established.
Path Forward
UBCAA has proposed a structured, multi-stakeholder engagement involving the EPA, Bong County authorities, MNG Gold, and community leaders to pursue evidence-based remediation, safe water assurance, and public health protection for Money Sweet Town.
The association is seeking written confirmation from both the EPA and the Bong County Administration on plans for independent testing, monitoring and enforcement measures, and interim health and environmental safety actions pending test results. UBCAA says it remains available to provide field notes, eyewitness accounts, and documentation gathered during its community engagement.
As residents await answers, the situation has renewed broader calls for stronger environmental oversight and community-centered responses in areas affected by industrial activity.
Follow The Liberian Post on Facebook and X (formerly twitter)
