MONROVIA – The Executive Chairman of the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), Samuel F. Kpakio, has declared that the “true measure of success” for Liberia’s land reform lies in practical implementation rather than just legislative milestones.
By Christopher C. Walker, christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com
Speaking at the official launch of the Strengthening Community Action for Land and Economic Security (SCALES) project, Mr. Kpakio warned that while the Land Rights Act (LRA) was a historic achievement, it remains a paper victory until ordinary Liberians feel its impact on the ground.
“The passage of the Land Rights Act was a historic milestone, especially in recognizing customary land rights,” Mr. Kpakio told a room of stakeholders and international partners. “But the true measure of success lies not in the legislation itself, but in its effective implementation.”
A Strategic Intervention
The LLA boss described the SCALES project as a “timely and strategic intervention” aimed at dismantling the barriers that have stalled land reform, specifically citing limited public awareness, weak local coordination and the slow pace of formalizing customary land ownership.
Mr. Kpakio’s remarks signal a shift in the LLA’s focus from policy-making to “boots-on-the-ground” enforcement and community engagement.
EU Boosts Land Reform with €500k
The project received a significant boost from the European Union (EU), which provided a €500,000 grant.
Mr. Kpakio hailed the contribution as “generous and impactful,” noting that the funding reflects a resurgence of international confidence in Liberia’s land governance.
The LLA Chairman also extended credit to the Development Education Network–Liberia (DEN-L) and its partners, including the Rights & Rice Foundation and the Liberia Sustainable Green Board, for their persistent advocacy and technical support.
He admitted that while progress has been made, the LLA cannot “go it alone,” emphasizing that civil society and NGOs are critical to educating rural populations who are often left in the dark about their legal protections.
“When communities are informed, organized, and supported, they are better positioned to secure their land, manage it sustainably, and leverage it for inclusive economic growth,” Mr. Kpakio noted.
He further demanded that the SCALES project remain inclusive, insisting that women, youth, and persons with disabilities must be the primary beneficiaries of the reform.
“Equitable access to land is not merely a legal matter; it is a question of justice and dignity,” he asserted.
Reaffirming the Authority’s commitment, Mr. Kpakio pledged that the LLA will provide the necessary technical guidance and institutional framework to ensure the SCALES project does not become another stalled initiative.
With a final call for collaboration among government and development partners, Chairman Kpakio officially launched the project, expressing high hopes that the initiative will finally bridge the gap between land policy and community prosperity.
