The Liberia Land Authority (LLA) has embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of its land governance system, aiming to tackle long-standing issues of illegal land sales, disputes, and a lack of transparency. The cornerstone of this reform is the introduction of a new land deed form equipped with enhanced security features, designed to deter fraudulent activities and bolster the integrity of land ownership documentation. This initiative, developed with the support of Swiss partners, also includes specialized training for LLA staff in deed verification, a process that will be decentralized to county offices across Liberia, enabling quicker and more accessible authentication. This decentralized approach promises to be pivotal in identifying cases of double registration, a prevalent issue contributing to land disputes, and ensuring legitimate land ownership for all Liberians. The LLA believes this step is crucial in rebuilding public trust in the nation’s land administration.
In conjunction with the new deed rollout, the LLA has declared a moratorium on public land transactions in specific areas of Montserrado County, including Omega and the Hotel Africa community. This strategic intervention aims to curb illegal activities in these areas, often targeted by unscrupulous individuals exploiting loopholes in the system. All holders of development grant deeds in these locations are mandated to submit copies of their agreements to the LLA’s head office for verification by March 31, 2025. This measure is expected to bring transparency to land dealings in these areas and deter further illicit transactions. The LLA leadership emphasizes that these reforms are geared toward ensuring transparency and accountability in all land transactions, fostering public confidence in the system.
Further strengthening its efforts, the LLA is collaborating with the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA) to develop a sophisticated land valuation system utilizing advanced real estate valuation software. Currently being piloted in three counties, this system will provide clarity on property values and is projected to generate additional revenue for the government. This initiative aligns with President Joseph Boikai’s agenda to create employment opportunities, particularly for young people trained under the President’s Digital Program. By providing accurate and standardized property valuations, the system is expected to streamline land transactions and facilitate a more equitable and efficient land market.
To ensure a comprehensive and effective reform process, the LLA has requested thorough audits from both the General Auditing Commission (GAC) and the Internal Audit Agency (IAA). These audits will evaluate existing systems, identify areas for improvement, and establish a clear baseline for future reforms. This commitment to transparency and accountability underscores the LLA’s dedication to responsible land resource management. By rigorously examining current practices and procedures, the audits will provide valuable insights for strengthening the LLA’s operations and ensuring its long-term effectiveness.
Recognizing that land disputes are a significant challenge in Liberia, the LLA is undertaking a substantial overhaul of the land dispute resolution system. This includes establishing specialized units to streamline workflows and expedite the resolution of disputes in a fair and timely manner. Furthermore, the LLA will bolster its Legal Division to effectively address criminal conveyance and fraudulent land transactions. A new Compliance Unit will be established to ensure adherence to legal standards in all land dealings. These measures collectively aim to create a more robust and responsive system capable of effectively addressing land disputes and protecting the rights of all parties involved.
The LLA’s reforms represent a comprehensive effort to revitalize Liberia’s land governance system. Beyond simply implementing changes, the LLA is committed to a complete renewal of the system, aiming to establish a model of transparency and empower Liberians to securely hold, trade, and exercise their land rights. The combined initiatives of new deed forms, a moratorium on specific land transactions, a modern land valuation system, comprehensive audits, and a revamped dispute resolution mechanism demonstrate a holistic approach to addressing the multifaceted challenges in Liberia’s land sector. This ambitious undertaking aims to transform the LLA into a beacon of transparency and efficiency, ultimately securing land rights for all Liberians and fostering sustainable development.
