GBARNGA, Bong County – The Liberia Land Authority (LLA) in Bong County has intensified efforts to resolve a longstanding ownership dispute involving more than 80 acres of land near the former farm of ex-President Charles Taylor in Melekie, with authorities conducting a second stakeholders’ conference to gather evidence and clarify competing claims.
The latest engagement, chaired by Bong County LLA Administrator Amelia Queens Cassell Massaquoi, brought together individuals claiming rights to the disputed property as the Authority continues its fact-finding process aimed at determining the legitimate ownership of the land.
The conference was held following an order from the 9th Judicial Circuit Court placing a temporary suspension on all construction activities on the property until the dispute is resolved.
During the meeting, stakeholders were again instructed to provide documentary evidence, including deeds, purchase agreements and other legal records, to support their respective claims.
Administrator Massaquoi said the process is intended to ensure that every party involved receives an opportunity to present evidence before the Authority reaches any conclusion.
She explained that the LLA’s responsibility is to carefully examine all submitted documents, investigate historical records and provide an impartial assessment based on available evidence.
“The purpose of this process is not to favor any individual or group, but to establish the facts surrounding the property through proper documentation and a transparent review. Every claimant must be given the opportunity to present evidence that can help determine the rightful ownership,” Massaquoi said.
She added that the Authority remains committed to following legal procedures and ensuring that the final outcome is guided by facts rather than personal interests or public pressure.
“The land matter involves different claims, and our role is to investigate carefully. Until the process is completed, no one should assume that ownership has been determined because the investigation is still ongoing,” she stated.
The conference featured the participation of several individuals claiming ownership interests in the property, including Ernest Cassell and Edwin Kwakpae.
Moses Stubblefield, who had earlier participated in discussions surrounding the land, was also present but was later asked to leave the conference after investigators raised concerns regarding statements attributed to him during the proceedings.
According to information from the meeting, Stubblefield had previously identified himself as a sales agent connected to the property but later maintained that he does not hold an ownership interest in the disputed land.
Investigators referenced documents reportedly signed by Stubblefield reflecting his position, after which he signed the attendance register as an observer before being excused from the proceedings.
Meanwhile, Edwin Kwakpae presented what LLA officials described as a detailed collection of historical land documents in support of his claim.
The documents reportedly include land records dating back to the 1950s, including a trial certificate, purchase records, a public land sale deed and other supporting materials.
The Bong County LLA Office said the submission represented one of the most extensive collections of historical documentation presented during the investigation so far.
However, Administrator Massaquoi cautioned that the submission of documents by any claimant does not automatically determine ownership, noting that all evidence must undergo verification and review.
She disclosed that the Authority has identified concerns regarding the authenticity of some documents submitted by certain claimants, but stressed that no final decision has been made.
The LLA Administrator is expected to lead a team of stakeholders to appear before the 9th Judicial Circuit Court to provide an update on the outcome of the two conferences.
Following the court presentation, the Authority will proceed with an investigative survey of the disputed property as part of efforts to establish the physical boundaries and verify claims presented by the various parties.
Several individuals who have expressed interest in the property did not attend the second stakeholders’ conference, leaving some ownership claims without direct representation during the latest phase of the inquiry.
The dispute has attracted attention because of the location of the property near the former farm associated with former President Charles Taylor, but officials involved in the investigation have maintained that the process is focused strictly on determining legal ownership.
The conferences were attended by local government representatives, including Gbarnga City Mayor Gallah Gbarnga Varpilah, Gbarnga City Council President George Philip Mulbah, and Bong County Administrative Officer D. Sam Baryougah Elliott Sr.
