By Archie Boan
MONROVIA – Montserrado County Senator Saah H. Joseph has announced plans for a mass citizens’ rally to protest what he described as a growing wave of demolitions and land disputes across the country that are leaving residents homeless and vulnerable.
Speaking Tuesday, March 3, 2026, during a session of the Liberian Senate, Senator Joseph said the people of Montserrado County have mandated him to demand urgent intervention from both the government and his colleagues in the Senate.
“Enough is enough,” the senator declared, warning that public frustration is mounting and could escalate if authorities fail to act.
“Distinguished colleagues, the people of Montserrado County are saying we are ready,” Joseph said. “There is no way one deed can claim four to five different locations. How can someone claim the entire Stephen Tolbert Estate, including swamp areas developed by residents? We must take action on behalf of our people. If this Senate can’t act, trust me, the people will react. I have the right to say it.”
The lawmaker cited several instances of what he characterized as illegal land grabs. He referenced a 2018 case during his tenure as Representative of District #13, in which an individual identified as Toney Layaee allegedly claimed ownership of the entire New Georgia Junction, including swamp areas occupied and developed by local residents.
According to Senator Joseph, the same individual in 2026 used the same deed to claim Topoe Village, where Peter Amos James, Jr. is reportedly recognized as the rightful owner. He further alleged that Layaee is asserting ownership over the Stephen Tolbert Estate football field, property he said had previously been allocated by the National Housing Authority.
The senator also pointed to recent demolitions in Mount Barclay and along New Georgia Road, which he said have displaced numerous families.
“We keep signing one thing over and over. Our people are vulnerable, even to the point where they have no place to sleep,” he said. “The government owns 75 percent of the land along the road by law, yet now someone claims it and is demolishing people’s homes.”
In a dramatic move, Senator Joseph vowed to oppose future budgetary allocations to the Liberia National Police, accusing the force of siding with individuals he described as criminals engaged in unlawful land seizures.
“Going forward, I will vote against any budget of the Liberian National Police because they are protecting criminals who are demolishing properties and claiming land,” he said. “They are playing games with our people.”
The announcement sets the stage for a potential large-scale public demonstration, as tensions continue to rise over land ownership disputes and demolitions in Montserrado County and beyond.
