The House of Representatives Committee on Mines, Energy, Natural Resources and Environment on Tuesday convened a public hearing with all Commissioners of the Liberia Land Authority (LLA). The session aimed to address the growing concerns surrounding land disputes across the country.
The hearing marked the Committeeโs inaugural engagement with the LLA, focusing on updates regarding land rights, dispute resolution, and decentralization efforts.
Committee Chairperson, Hon. Jeremiah Garwo Sokan, emphasized the importance of the meeting, stating, โThis hearing allows us to listen to the LLA’s progress in addressing land issuesโranging from customary land rights and private property to disputes arising from contract reversion and inter-community conflicts.โ
He added that land-related issues such as tenure insecurity, boundary disputes, corruption in land transactions, and the clash between customary and private ownership are not only developmental concerns but also threaten Liberiaโs cultural and social fabric.
โWe also expect updates on the decentralization of your operationsโwhether the LLA is fully represented and functioning in all counties, the staffing levels, and the steps being taken to tackle criminal conveyance where land is sold multiple times,โ Hon. Sokan said.
Responding to the Committeeโs queries, LLA Chairman Samuel Kpakio thanked the lawmakers for the timely engagement, noting the urgency and national importance of land matters.
โThe land situation in Liberia is critical. We’ve heard of incidents, including violence and even deaths, linked to land disputes. It is our duty as Liberians to address these issues collectively,โ Chairman Kpakio said.
He pointed out that many of the land conflict hotspots are in the southeastern region, although similar issues are prevalent nationwide. On the matter of decentralization, Chairman Kpakio confirmed that while the LLA has established county offices in all 15 counties, only five are adequately staffed and equipped to carry out their full mandate. The remaining offices face financial and logistical constraints.
Addressing concerns about criminal conveyance, Chairman Kpakio acknowledged the problem, highlighting Montserrado County and surrounding areas as the most affected. โYes, we are aware of repeated illegal sales of land, especially in Monrovia and nearby communities. It is a serious issue, and we are working to tackle it with the help of our Commissioners and relevant departments,โ he said.
The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to working with the LLA to ensure lasting solutions to land conflicts and urged increased public education and stronger enforcement of the Land Rights Act.
