Controversial Land Lease in B’hai Administrative District Sparks Public Concern
A 500-acre land lease in the B’hai Administrative District has become a focal point of public concern, drawing attention from regional diplomats and local leaders alike. The lease, which was reportedly approved by Grand Gedeh Superintendent Alex Chersia Grant and County Attorney E. Wilkins Nah, granted Burkinabé national Boubou Sebu the right to use the land for agricultural production over a 30-year period. However, the agreement has raised significant questions about its legality and the process that led to its approval.
Local leaders argue that the deal was executed without thefree, prior and informed consentof the customary landowners, a fundamental requirement under Liberia’s Land Rights Act of 2018. This lack of transparency has sparked widespread criticism and calls for a more inclusive and participatory approach to land governance.
ECOWAS Diplomat Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Dr. William Deah Deiyan Towah, an ECOWAS diplomat and Director of Administration and Finance at the ECOWAS Court of Justice in Abuja, has called for greater transparency, community participation, and full accountability in the ongoing investigations surrounding the land lease. He emphasized that the dispute underscores broader challenges in local land governance, particularly in regions where communities hold communal or customary ownership.
“Our land is the foundation of our history, identity, and communal dignity,” Towah stated. “When community rights are overlooked, public trust is weakened. We must address this matter with transparency and fairness.”
Towah also cautioned diaspora commentators and community advocates against speculation, urging them to allow the official inquiry to proceed while working to strengthen public awareness of land governance laws.
Revocation of Development Grant Deed and Internal Sanctions
In response to the controversy, the Liberia Land Authority (LLA) has revoked the Development Grant Deed associated with the transaction. The LLA also took internal disciplinary measures, including the dismissal of four employees and the suspension of two others linked to the approval process. These actions reflect the authority’s efforts to enforce legal and procedural compliance.
The sanctions have been seen as a step toward restoring confidence in the land administration system. However, many remain skeptical about whether these measures will be sufficient to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Environmental Concerns and Illegal Deforestation
Environmental regulators have also raised concerns about the area, citing illegal deforestation as a major issue. The Forestry Development Authority described recent clearing activities in the district as “illegal and devastating,” warning that unregulated land clearing threatens biodiversity and could destabilize livelihoods.
Residents have expressed discomfort over what they perceive asunregulated foreign settlementassociated with the lease. While migration is permitted under law, local leaders have emphasized that it must be done through structured engagement with host communities to ensure mutual benefit and cultural respect.
Broader Governance Implications
Dr. Towah highlighted that the controversy should serve as a catalyst for improving county-level land administration. He stressed that the issue goes beyond mere land use, touching on legal rights, communal identity, and the future of the people.
“This is not simply a dispute over soil,” he said. “It concerns legal rights, communal identity, and the future of our people. We must use this moment to reinforce civic education on the Land Rights Act and strengthen oversight to prevent future disputes.”
Conclusion
The situation in the B’hai Administrative District underscores the urgent need for reform in land governance systems across Liberia. As the investigation continues, the voices of local communities must be prioritized to ensure that their rights are protected and their perspectives are integrated into decision-making processes.