In an official statement issued Friday, the LLA disclosed that the decision was made after it was found that the Superintendent of Grand Gedeh County had unilaterally entered into a lease agreement with a Burkinabé national for 500 acres of land located in the B’hai Administrative District.
According to the LLA, the Superintendent acted without the required authorization, a move that constitutes a violation of Article 49 of the Land Rights Act of 2018, which governs the lease and transfer of customary land in Liberia.
“The Superintendent and the County Land Administrator of Grand Gedeh misled the Management of the LLA during the issuance and signing of the said deed, thereby bypassing established procedures and guidelines required for granting a Development Grant Deed,” the Authority stated.
Further investigations revealed that the land in question is customary land collectively owned by the residents of Juzon Town, B’hai Administrative District. The LLA emphasized that under Article 32 of the Land Rights Act of 2018, such land is protected as communal property, recognized based on traditional norms, long-term occupancy, and collective use.
As a result, the Authority has suspended Mr. Paye Freeman, Grand Gedeh County Land Administrator, and Mr. David N. Togbasie, Grand Gedeh County Land Dispute Officer, indefinitely; both officials will remain suspended pending the conclusion of a full-scale investigation into their alleged roles in misleading the Authority.
In a related development, the LLA has dismissed four employees following a comprehensive internal investigation that found them liable for misapplication, misconduct, insubordination, and administrative malpractice.
The dismissals, carried out in accordance with Chapter 4.2.3 of the Civil Service Agency’s Standing Orders, took effect on Friday, October 31, 2025. The affected employees are:
- 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
- Mr. Steve Kennedy, Assistant Director, Public Land Vetting Division
“The general public is strongly advised not to do any business with these individuals; doing so will be at their own risk,” the statement warned. The LLA maintained that both actions, the revocation of the Grand Gedeh deed and the staff dismissals, underscore its commitment to integrity, transparency, and accountability in the lands sector.
“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 Authority emphasized.
The LLA assured the public that it remains steadfast in strengthening institutional systems, promoting professionalism and ethical conduct, and upholding public trust in Liberia’s land administration.
“Together with the continued support of the Government of Liberia, our development partners, and citizens, we will build a land sector that promotes peace, ensures justice, and fosters sustainable development for all Liberians,” the statement concluded.
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Published by: Kweshie Tetteh
