In a case that is quickly drawing attention across West Africa, Lonestar Cell MTN, one of Liberia’s largest telecom operators, has taken the country’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to court over a US$15,000 fine for noise pollution.
The dispute centres around the company’s generator at its facility in Congo Town, Monrovia. According to the EPA, “scientific tests” revealed that the generator’s noise exceeded both Liberia’s legal limits and World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations. These tests were carried out after repeated complaints from residents who alleged that the constant noise and vibrations had made life unbearable.
For many in the surrounding community, the issue is not just about a generator—it’s about their right to a peaceful living environment. Several residents say they’ve endured months of interrupted sleep, heightened stress, and even headaches from the noise. The EPA insists its action is necessary to safeguard public health.
Table of Contents
EPA’s Case: Public Health and Regulatory Enforcement on the Line
The EPA maintains that the fine is a direct response to Lonestar Cell MTN’s failure to address the problem despite multiple warnings. Executive Director Emmanuel Yarkpawolo explained that the agency had previously advised the company to install silencers on the generator and raise the chimney height to help diffuse the noise.
“Unfortunately, during follow-up inspections, we found that our recommendations were not fully implemented,” Yarkpawolo said. “The law is clear, and our duty is to enforce it.”
Noise pollution is increasingly recognised in Liberia as a public health issue, with prolonged exposure linked to stress, hearing problems, and other health risks. This makes the EPA’s case significant—not just for this community, but for environmental enforcement nationwide.
Backing up its claim, the agency used its newly commissioned environmental laboratory—the first in Liberia capable of conducting in-country testing of air, water, and soil quality. This means Liberia no longer needs to rely on overseas labs, giving the EPA faster and more reliable data for its enforcement actions.
Community leaders say the EPA’s intervention has been a long time coming. “We have been complaining for years, but nothing happened,” said one local resident. “It’s not just about noise, it’s about our well-being.”
Corporate Defence: Lonestar Cell MTN Counters the Allegations
Lonestar Cell MTN, a major player in Liberia’s telecom sector and part of the MTN Group, is not taking the matter lightly. The company insists that it made efforts to comply with EPA guidance but disputes the severity of the alleged noise levels.
In its legal filing, the company requested the Civil Law Court in Monrovia to halt any enforcement of the fine until the matter is fully heard. For Lonestar, this is about protecting its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen and ensuring that regulatory processes are fair and transparent.
Industry watchers note that this is one of the first high-profile legal battles over environmental noise in Liberia, and it may shape how businesses interact with regulators going forward. While companies must adhere to environmental standards, they also have the right to challenge penalties they believe are unjust.
The company has yet to release detailed public statements, but insiders suggest they may present alternative noise level data or question the EPA’s testing methodology.
What Comes Next: Broader Implications for Governance and Accountability
The outcome of this case will be a litmus test for President Joseph Boakai’s administration, which has pledged to strengthen environmental governance. Observers say this dispute could set a precedent for how Liberia handles environmental compliance, especially for large corporations.
If the court sides with the EPA, it could embolden the agency to take on more cases—possibly leading to stricter enforcement across sectors. On the other hand, if Lonestar Cell MTN wins, it might trigger calls for clearer guidelines on environmental testing and penalties.
Beyond Liberia, other West African nations are watching closely. Noise pollution is a growing concern in urban areas across the region, and regulators are under increasing pressure to act.
For residents of Congo Town, the case is more personal. “We just want our peace back,” one neighbour said. “If companies are allowed to ignore these complaints, then who will protect us?”
The legal proceedings are ongoing, and no date has yet been set for a final ruling. Until then, the case remains a significant moment in Liberia’s environmental and corporate governance journey—highlighting the delicate balance between economic development, corporate responsibility, and community well-being.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
