By G. Watson Richards
A panel jury at the Sixth Judicial Circuit Civil Law Court, sitting at the Temple of Justice, has delivered a unanimous verdict in favor of the Paynesville City Corporation (PCC) in a protracted ejectment case over a public playground in Paynesville.
The lawsuit was filed by Alex S. Konah, acting as attorney-in-fact for Princess Andrews Howard, alongside J. Wesley Andrews.
The plaintiffs claimed ownership of the property and sought to reclaim it, with reported intentions of selling the land.
The dispute centered on a longstanding playground situated next to the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS). The facility, established in 1960, has been managed by PCC for decades and is widely regarded as an important community recreational space.
Following months of legal proceedings and heightened public interest, the jury determined that PCC has maintained lawful control of the property since its establishment. It further ruled that the plaintiffs failed to substantiate their ejectment claims.
The decision preserves the playground as a public facility, guaranteeing continued access for families and children while reaffirming the city authority’s mandate to manage municipal assets in accordance with the law.
According to PCC, the ruling reinforces municipal governance and underscores the importance of protecting long-established public spaces in rapidly developing urban areas.
Despite the outcome, the plaintiffs are reportedly considering further legal options, including filing a motion for a new trial.
Allegations of attempts to influence the court have also surfaced, though these claims remain unconfirmed.
Meanwhile, lawyers representing PCC have expressed confidence that the verdict will withstand any legal challenge, insisting that the jury’s decision is firmly supported by both the facts and applicable law.
The case has attracted significant public attention, bringing into focus broader concerns over land ownership, urban management, and the preservation of community spaces across Liberia.
