By: D. Abraham Cooper Sr
Monrovia, Liberia | Oct. 31, 2025 | The Liberia Land Authority – LLA has revoked a Development Grant Deed previously issued to the Grand Gedeh County Local Government following revelations of unauthorized land transactions involving senior county officials.
In an official statement released Friday, the LLA said the decision followed an internal review which uncovered that the Grand Gedeh County Superintendent had entered into a lease agreement with a Burkinabé national for 500 acres of land in the B’hai Administrative District an act executed without the required authorization.
According to the Authority, the Superintendent’s unilateral action directly violated Article 49 of the Land Rights Act of 2018, which outlines the procedures for leasing or transferring customary land in Liberia.
“The Superintendent and the County Land Administrator misled the Management of the LLA during the issuance and signing of the deed, circumventing the established legal procedures required for a Development Grant Deed,” the statement said.
Subsequent investigations confirmed that the disputed property constitutes customary land collectively owned by residents of Juzon Town, B’hai administrative district.
The Authority noted that under Article 32 of the Land Rights Act of 2018, such land remains protected communal property, recognized through traditional practices, long-term occupancy, and collective use.
As part of the ongoing inquiry, the LLA has indefinitely suspended Mr. Paye Freeman, Grand Gedeh County Land Administrator, and Mr. David N. Togbasie, the County Land Dispute Officer. Both will remain suspended pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation into their alleged roles in misleading the Authority.
In a related move, the LLA has dismissed four employees following findings of misapplication of authority, misconduct, insubordination, and administrative malpractice.
The dismissals, conducted in line with Chapter 4.2.3 of the Civil Service Agency’s Standing Orders, took effect on Friday, October 31, 2025.
Those affected include; Mr. Paul A. Tolbert, Assistant Director, Alternative Dispute Resolution Division, Mr. James Perkings, Case Investigator, Alternative Dispute Resolution Division, Mr. Earlyn O. Cooper, Database Officer, Alternative Dispute Resolution Division and Mr. Steve Kennedy, Assistant Director, Public Land Vetting Division
The LLA directed the dismissed employees to immediately surrender all official equipment, documents, and other materials to the Authority’s Human Resource Division.
The four individuals have also been referred to the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) for possible prosecution.
“The general public is strongly advised not to engage in any form of business with these individuals. Doing so will be at their own risk,” the Authority warned.
The LLA emphasized that the actions taken both the revocation of the Grand Gedeh Development Grant Deed and the dismissals demonstrate its unwavering commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability in land governance.
“Due process was fully observed throughout all administrative and disciplinary proceedings, in strict compliance with the labor laws and civil service regulations of the Republic of Liberia,” the statement added.
The Authority reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening institutional systems, promoting ethical conduct, and rebuilding public trust in Liberia’s land administration.
“With continued support from the Government of Liberia, our development partners, and the public, the LLA remains focused on building a land sector that promotes peace, ensures justice, and drives sustainable development for all Liberians,” the statement concluded.
