MONROVIA – The Liberia Land Authority (LLA) has embarked on a two-day high-level dialogue with national and local authorities aimed at amending Title 12 of the Executive Law of the Liberian Codes of Law and paving the way for the establishment of a new chapter dedicated to the LLA.
The event kicked off on Wednesday at the Corina Hotel and is expected to catalyze vital discussions regarding land governance and management in Liberia.
In his opening remarks, LLA Chairman Samuel Kpakio underscored the significance of this dialogue for promoting good governance and national development, stating, “Our purpose here for the next two days is not to find blame but to educate, align, and rebuild the collaborative spirit envisioned by both the Land Authority Act and the Land Rights Act.”
The dialogue arises from the ongoing challenges faced by the LLA, which consolidated various land functions from previous government entities back in 2016.
He said Despite some progress since its establishment, Kpakio highlighted notable gaps in the transfer of functions to the LLA, leading to recurring land conflicts and mismanagement across the country.
Kerstin Johsson Cisse, Head of Developmental Cooperation at the Swedish Embassy, who attended the dialogue on behalf of the Ambassador, emphasized the LLA’s critical role in land management.
She stated, “The collaboration between the Liberia Land Authority and Swedish authorities is pivotal in ensuring that land management and revenue collection align with national development goals.” Cisse reiterated Sweden’s commitment to supporting Liberia in achieving fair, transparent, and accountable land governance.
Senator Simeon Taylor, Chair of the Senate Committee on Land, Natural Resources, and Environment, also contributed to the discussions by addressing the pressing need for clear demarcation of land boundaries and increasing community awareness surrounding land rights.
He remarked, “Too many people in this country do not know the laws surrounding land ownership and rights. We must engage with communities to ensure they understand their rights and the legal frameworks that govern land transactions.”
The two-day event includes plenary sessions and breakout discussions aimed at fostering inclusive dialogue and generating actionable solutions.
Participants comprised representatives from various governmental and non-governmental organizations, including members of the Legislature, who were invited to share insights and recommendations on improving land governance structures.
Reflecting on the LLA’s mandate established nine years ago, Kpakio emphasized the authority’s role in leading and coordinating land governance, administration, and management throughout Liberia.
He noted, “The creation of the LLA consolidated several fragmented land functions from various entities. While we have made substantial progress, we continue to face significant gaps.”
Kpakio pointed out that some agencies, such as the Ministry of Public Works and the Liberia Revenue Authority, still perform land-related functions that were legally transferred to the LLA.
He stated, “Zoning remains with the Ministry of Public Works; property valuation remains with the Liberia Revenue Authority. These activities contradict the LLA Act of 2016 and contribute to recurring land disputes.”
The LLA Chairman attributed these challenges not to ill intent, but to a lack of awareness, engagement, and coordination following the 2017 elections that brought new leaders, many of whom lacked exposure to the LLA Act of 2016 and the Land Rights Act of 2018.
Key topics under discussion include the legal frameworks for land registration, surveying, zoning, and property valuation, as well as the persistent delays in transferring functions to the LLA.
The outcomes of this vital dialogue are anticipated to pave the way for more effective land governance and reduced conflicts over land ownership in the future. As the dialogue unfolds, stakeholders remain hopeful for substantive changes that will enhance land administration and contribute to national development goals across Liberia.
