-Urges Prosecution; Welcomes LLA Revocation
MONROVIA, Liberia — The Global Alliance of Grand Gedeans (GAGG) has condemned what it calls an unauthorized attempt to lease 500 acres of customary land in B’hai Administrative District, Gbarzon Statutory District, to a Burkinabe national, and is urging authorities to prosecute those involved.
In a statement, the group accused Grand Gedeh County Superintendent Alex Chersia Grant and County Attorney Winkins Nah of orchestrating the deal, which the Liberia Land Authority (LLA) says it has voided. GAGG called the move a “blatant violation” of the 2018 Land Rights Act, which vests governance and management of customary land in the community, not county officials.
The LLA last week said Superintendent Grant and County Attorney Nah acted beyond their legal authority in signing the agreement. The agency cited provisions of the Land Rights Act—referencing articles that assign control of customary land to community members—and announced the revocation of the associated grant deed. The LLA also disclosed disciplinary measures tied to the matter, including the dismissal of four central‑office employees for misconduct and the indefinite suspension of county‑level staff implicated in the process, with files turned over to the Ministry of Justice for possible prosecution.
GAGG praised the LLA’s “swift intervention” and urged the Ministries of Justice and Internal Affairs to conduct an urgent, impartial investigation into “all parties involved” to deter similar attempts. “This botched effort to dispossess the people of B’hai posed a direct threat to the peace and harmony of the county,” the group said.
The alliance also raised security concerns, linking the episode to what it describes as an influx of Burkinabe nationals into Grand Gedeh. “It is troubling that the Superintendent and his colleagues are now attempting to mortgage Grand Gedeh County land,” the group said, arguing that the decision “significantly heightened security risks.” The Liberian Post could not independently verify the cited number of arrivals; officials have not publicly responded to that claim.
GAGG further questioned Superintendent Grant’s suitability for office, saying it had warned the appointing authorities at the time of his nomination about “integrity and moral challenges” and a “polarizing leadership style.” The group said there was widespread public outcry during his confirmation process and alleged the voided lease is “one of many egregious acts” since his appointment.
Calls placed to Superintendent Grant and County Attorney Nah for comment were not immediately returned. The article will be updated if they respond.
In its earlier announcement, the LLA urged the public to refrain from engaging in land transactions with dismissed or suspended personnel and said its disciplinary processes adhered to labor and civil service rules. It also noted that customary lands in the affected area are collectively owned by Juzon Town residents under the Land Rights Act and that county officials do not have the authority to lease such land.
GAGG, which describes itself as the global representative of Grand Gedeans in the diaspora, is asking the Ministries of Justice and Internal Affairs to take “decisive administrative actions to avoid major conflict in Grand Gedeh County,” and called on citizens, government, and partners to protect community rights and maintain stability.
Editor’s note: This story will be updated with any responses from Superintendent Grant, County Attorney Nah, the Ministries of Justice and Internal Affairs, or the LLA.
