Liberia’s Chief Justice Yarmie Quiqui Gbeisay pledged closer cooperation between the judiciary and the Liberia Land Authority on Thursday, as the country moves to shore up land governance and curb longstanding disputes that have stymied development.
The commitment came after a high-level briefing from LLA Chairman Samuel F. Kpakio on a “new family” of land deed forms the authority has developed. The forms, which incorporate advanced security features, are intended to reduce forgery, strengthen verification and increase confidence in land transactions, the LLA said.
“We need a conference that brings together judges, lawyers, magistrates, and the LLA to discuss practical measures that will strengthen the land sector,” Chief Justice Gbeisay said, adding that the judiciary stands ready to ensure the new documents are recognized and enforced across courts nationwide.
“The Judiciary is prepared to work with the Land Authority to ensure that the right thing is done, ” he said.
The LLA, created in 2016 to consolidate land functions previously scattered across government agencies, has led the country’s post-war land reforms, including the passage of the Land Rights Act of 2018, which legally recognizes customary land ownership and guarantees equal rights for women and vulnerable groups.
The authority has also introduced gender-focused programs and regulations backed by development partners including the World Bank, USAID and SIDA.
Despite progress, land disputes remain a leading cause of community conflict and a barrier to investment, LLA officials said.
Dr. Madmoud Solomon, Commissioner for Land Administration, said the secure deed forms are a “major land governance reform” that will improve accountability and reduce conflicts among landowners, investors and institutions.
To formalize the collaboration, the Judiciary and LLA said they will sign a memorandum of understanding to create a framework for coordinated action, including training and outreach. Chairman Kpakio described the Judiciary’s support as a “historic step” that will help accelerate reforms and restore public confidence in Liberia’s land administration system.
