Ganta, Nimba County – The Chairman of the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), Mr. Samuel F. Kpakio, has urged the Government of Liberia to significantly boost budgetary allocations for the land sector, emphasizing that sustained investment is crucial to address persistent institutional and operational challenges.
Mr. Kpakio made the appeal during a high-level ceremony in Ganta, Nimba County, where official land deeds were presented to 23 customary communities spanning Nimba, Grand Cape Mount, and Bomi counties. The event marks a major milestone in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen land governance and secure land tenure for local communities.
Challenges Hindering the Land Sector
In his address, Chairman Kpakio highlighted several critical challenges facing the LLA, including limited staffing, low employee compensation, and inadequate logistical and technical resources. He stressed that without sufficient investment, the Authority would struggle to fulfill its mandate of regulating and managing Liberia’s land resources.
“The land sector is facing serious difficulties, and without proper investment, it will be difficult to meet the demands and responsibilities placed on the Liberia Land Authority,” Kpakio stated.
Background on Liberia’s Land Reforms
Established in 2016, the Liberia Land Authority is mandated to oversee land administration, land use planning, and the registration of land titles across the country. The LLA was created to address long-standing issues in land governance, including unclear property rights, disputes over customary lands, and limited access to official land documentation. Over the years, the Authority has partnered with both national and international organizations to implement reforms aimed at improving tenure security, formalizing land ownership, and promoting equitable access to land for communities and investors alike.
Acknowledgment of Partners and Supporters
On behalf of the LLA Board of Commissioners, Chairman Kpakio expressed gratitude to international partners for their support, singling out the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Peacebuilding Fund for its consistent assistance. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Government of Sweden and other development partners committed to advancing land governance reforms in Liberia.
The LLA Chairman further thanked the Minister of Internal Affairs, Francis Nyumalin, along with other senior government officials and dignitaries who attended the event. Special recognition was given to former LLA Chairman, Hon. Atty. J. Adams Manobah, for his leadership and presence during the occasion.
Teamwork Drives Success
Chairman Kpakio also commended his fellow Commissioners and the technical staff whose dedication was instrumental in the successful distribution of land deeds. Among those present were Vice-Chairperson Joe Williams; Dr. Mahmoud Solomon, Commissioner for Land Administration; Commissioner Uriah Garsinii, responsible for Land Use and Management; and Executive Director Hon. Stanley Toe. The event underscores the LLA’s commitment to improving land governance, promoting security of tenure, and ensuring that Liberia’s land resources are managed effectively for the benefit of communities and the nation at large.
