October 17, 2026
Liberia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy is calling for stronger energy standards and regulatory enforcement to protect consumers and accelerate access to affordable, reliable and clean energy.
Deputy Minister for Energy Charles Umehai made the call while delivering the keynote address at the commemoration of World Standards Day 2026 in Monrovia on Wednesday, October 14.
The event was held under the theme, “Shared Vision for a Better World: Spotlight on SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy.”
Deputy Minister Umehai said effective standardization is essential to ensuring that energy products, technologies and services meet appropriate requirements for safety, efficiency, affordability and sustainability.
He emphasized that achieving Sustainable Development Goal Seven, which seeks to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, requires more than expanding electricity generation and distribution.
According to him, stronger regulatory oversight, institutional coordination and compliance with established standards are also necessary to protect consumers and improve the quality of energy services.
The Deputy Minister further stressed the importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Liberia Standards Authority to ensure that energy products entering the Liberian market meet acceptable safety and performance requirements.
He noted that these measures are becoming increasingly important as Liberia expands the use of renewable energy technologies, particularly solar power systems, and promotes energy-efficient appliances.
Meanwhile, Joebarline S. B. Gbozee, Director of the Bureau of Energy Planning, Research and Policy at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, called for stronger cooperation among institutions working to advance the country’s energy sector and sustainable development agenda.
A message from Liberia Standards Authority Director-General Stephen Y. Mambu, delivered by Chief Technical Officer Melvin Alfred Tokpah, also highlighted the importance of standards in quality assurance, consumer safety and international trade competitiveness.
Mr. Tokpah warned that effective standardization and compliance mechanisms are necessary to prevent substandard energy products from entering the Liberian market and to build public confidence in clean energy solutions.
The program also featured technical presentations and demonstrations by Solar-Tech Consultancy, Women in Renewable Energy, and Emergi Liberia.
The presentations showcased renewable energy technologies and clean cooking alternatives that could help expand access to sustainable energy across Liberia.
The event was organized by the Liberia Standards Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Energy, bringing together government officials, private-sector representatives, development partners, civil society organizations and renewable energy stakeholders.
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