|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
MONROVIA-NOVEMBER 1, 2025: The Management of the Liberia Land Authority (LLA) has with immediate effect and through the assistance of the Ministry of Justice revoked a Development Grant Deed previously issued to the Grand Gedeh County Local Government for Land located in the B’hai Administrative District.
The decision follows the discovery that the Superintendent of Grand Gedeh County acted unilaterally and without the necessary authorization, entered into a lease agreement with a Bourkina Faso National for 500 acres of Land in the B’hai Administrative District.
According to a release, LLA noted that such action constitutes a clear violation of Article 49 of the Land Rights Act of 2018, which governs the sale, lease and transfer of Customary Land.
Further investigation revealed that both the Superintendent and the County Land Administrator of Grand Gedeh misled the Management of the Liberia Land Authority during the Issuance and signing of the said deed, thereby by-passing established procedures and guidelines required for granting a Development Grant Deed.
“It is important to note that the Land in question is Customary Land collectively owned by the residents of Juzon Town, B’hai Administrative District. As such, it is protected under Article 32 of the Land Rights Act of 2018, which recognizes Customary ownership based on traditional norms, long term occupancy and communal use,” the release noted.
It added, “In view of these findings, the Liberia Land Authority has with immediate effect suspended Mr. Paye Freeman, Grand Gedeh County Land Asdministrator, and Mr. David N. Togbasie, Grand Gedeh County Land Dispute Officer, indefinitely, pending the outcome of a full-scale investigation into their alleged roles in misleading the Authority during the processing of the said Deed.”
In a related Development, following a comprehensive Administrative Investigation in accordance with Chapter 4.2.3 of the Standing Orders of the Civil Service Agency (CSA) of the Republic of Liberia, the Management of the Liberia Land Authority has dismissed four employees from its service.
The dismissals are based on findings of Misapplication, Misconduct, Insubordination and Administrative Malpractice, all of which constitute serious violations of the Civil Service rules, professional ethics and internal policies governing public servants and Liberia Land Authority Internal Policy.
The Affected Employees are, Mr. Paul A. Tolbert, Assistant Director, Alternative Dispute Resolution Division, Mr. James Perkings-Case Investigator, Alternative Dispute Resolution Division, Earlyn O. Cooper, Database Officer, Alternative Dispute Resolution Division and Mr. Steve Kenedy, Assistant Director of Public Land Vetting Division.
According to LLA, effective Friday, October 31, 2015, these individuals are hereby separated from the employ of the Liberia Land Authority. They are further directed to immediately surrender all Liberia Land Authority properties including equipment, documents, and other materials to the Authority’s Human Resource Division.
LLA further noted that the four employees will be forwarded to the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission for investigation and subsequent prosecution. “The Public is advised not to do any Land business with these dismissed individuals mentioned above.”
These actions according to LLA, collectively reaffirm the Liberia Land Authority’s unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency and Accountability in the execution of its Statutory mandate.
The management assures the public that due process was fully observed throughout all Administrative and disciplinary proceedings in strict compliance with the Labor Law and Civil Service regulations of the Republic of Liberia.
In conclusion, the Liberia Land Authority says it remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, professionalism, discipline, and ethical conduct among its workforce, as it continues to strengthen institutional systems and uphold public trust in the management and administration of the Land sector of Liberia.
“Together, with the continued support of the Government of Liberia, our development partners and citizens, we will build a land sector that promotes peace, ensures justice and fosters sustainable development for all Liberians,” the released concluded.