By Benjamine Q. Johnson
Gbarzon Statutory District – Tensions are mounting in B’hai Administrative District, Grand Gedeh County, as residents accuse County Superintendent Alex Chersia Grant of unlawfully leasing more than 500 acres of community land to Burkinabé nationals without the consent of local authorities or authorization from relevant national institutions.
In a formal petition submitted to the Grand Gedeh County Legislative Caucus, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), and the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), citizens called for government intervention, immediate cancellation of the alleged lease agreement, and disciplinary action against Superintendent Grant.
The petition, led by Madam Doris Juan, Chairlady of the B’hai-Necko Clan and head of the Community Land Development and Management Committee (CLDMC), accuses the Superintendent of abuse of power and violation of the Land Rights Act of 2018, which protects the ownership of customary land by local communities.
Citizens Condemn “Dictatorial” Leadership
Reading the petition on behalf of the community, Teeneo Dehday Beh described Superintendent Grant’s actions as “a dictatorial and fraudulent attempt to usurp community rights and undermine Liberia’s democratic progress.”
The petition expressed “deep frustration and disappointment” over what residents called “reckless and authoritarian governance” in Grand Gedeh County.
It alleges that Superintendent Grant, acting unilaterally, surveyed and leased a large portion of forest land under a 30-year concession to a Burkinabé national for the establishment of a cocoa plantation—without consulting traditional leaders, community landowners, or the Liberia Land Authority.
Community members say the project has already resulted in deforestation, destruction of wildlife habitats, and the displacement of local farmers who depend on the land for survival.
“We can no longer move freely in our forest to hunt, farm, or gather food,” the petitioners lamented, accusing the Superintendent of “prioritizing foreign settlers over Liberian citizens.”
They also allege that Superintendent Grant is constructing a private residence near the Ivorian border in Bakoubly, heightening suspicion of personal gain from the controversial land deal.
Government Promises Investigation
Receiving the petition, Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely, Chairperson of the Grand Gedeh Legislative Caucus, commended citizens for addressing their grievances through peaceful and lawful means.
“No public official has the authority to dispose of communal land without the people’s consent,” Senator Nimely emphasized, warning that unauthorized land deals could spark social unrest.
LLA Chairperson Hon. Samuel F. Kpakio confirmed that the Land Authority has begun a technical review of all documents, maps, and agreements related to the alleged transaction.
“Land in Liberia belongs to the people and the state—not individuals in power,” Kpakio stated, assuring citizens of a full and impartial investigation.
Representing the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Deputy Minister Samuel F. Brown also pledged swift administrative action, noting:
“The Superintendent is accountable to the Ministry, and we will not tolerate actions that undermine public confidence or violate the Land Rights Act.”
Legislators Vow to Nullify Illegal Deal
Representative Jocab C. Debee of Grand Gedeh Electoral District #3 praised residents for their lawful conduct and confirmed that the Legislative Caucus intends to cancel all agreements signed by Superintendent Grant with Burkinabé nationals concerning the disputed 500-acre land.
He cautioned that such illegal transactions threaten social stability, environmental sustainability, and public trust in governance.
The petition was endorsed by several prominent community leaders, including:
Madam Doris Juan, Chairperson, B’hai-Necko Clan / CLDMC
James Sru, Chairperson, Marbo #1 Clan / CLDMC
Andrew Zloryou, Chairperson, Tian-Duogee Clan / CLDMC
G. Amos Chea, Chairperson, Duo Clan / CLDMC
Ephraim Gaye, Community Boundary Committee
Solomon S. Parjir, District Youth President
Togeda Sohnc Mava, Chief Elder, B’hai Administrative District
In closing, Madam Juan reaffirmed the community’s stance:
“We want our land back, and we want justice.”
The controversy underscores Liberia’s ongoing challenges in land governance, corruption, and enforcement of land reform laws.
Despite the Land Rights Act of 2018, which grants rural communities legal ownership of customary land, violations continue to emerge—often involving local officials and private investors.
