LLA Deepens Land Reforms -Launches New Deed Form, Guidelines, Digital System

The Liberia Land Authority (LLA) has taken significant strides in strengthening land governance and service delivery in the country. Under the leadership of Chairman Hon. Samuel F. Kpakio, the LLA has introduced a range of reforms and initiatives aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness in land administration. With the launch of a new National Deed Form, policy instruments, and operational guidelines, the LLA is set to improve the security of land ownership and reduce disputes, partnering with international organizations and local stakeholders to build capacity and implement digital solutions to land management. The

Analyst’s George C. Flomo reports.

The Chairman of the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), Samuel F. Kpakio, has announced a series of sweeping reforms and new initiatives aimed at strengthening land governance, transparency, and service delivery across the country.

Speaking Thursday at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism’s (MICAT) regular press briefing, Chairman Kpakio outlined the institution’s ongoing efforts to modernize Liberia’s land management system, reaffirming the LLA’s commitment to supporting the government’s ARREST Agenda under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.

“The Liberia Land Authority is undergoing a pivotal phase of institutional reform and transformation,” Chairman Kpakio said. “We remain steadfastly committed to the Liberian people and to the full implementation of the government’s agenda for recovery, reform, and sustainable growth.”

One of the key highlights of the LLA’s recent achievements is the introduction of a new National Deed Form, which will officially take effect on November 1, 2025, with a transition period ending on December 1, 2025.

According to Chairman Kpakio, the new form is part of the Authority’s broader efforts to standardize land documentation, reduce duplication, and promote transparency in property ownership.

In addition, the Authority has introduced a number of policy instruments and operational guidelines, including Interim Guidelines for Temporary Occupancy Permits (formerly “Squatters’ Rights”); Interim Guidelines for Validating Tribal Certificates; Interim Guidelines for the Sale and Lease of Public Land, and a new fee regime for land-related services, including applicable fines and charges.

“These policy frameworks are designed to bring structure, fairness, and accountability to our land administration processes,” Kpakio noted.

Addressing public concerns about unlawful land practices, the LLA boss disclosed that an investigation is ongoing into alleged illegal land transactions and land grabbing involving Mr. Blamah Wright and associates in communities such as Caldwell, Johnsonville, Louisiana, White Plains, and King’s Farm.

“Mr. Wright has submitted himself for investigation, which is currently ongoing. The public will be duly informed of the findings and any subsequent actions taken,” Kpakio said, emphasizing the Authority’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and illegal land dealings.

Kpakio highlighted a number of achievements under the Sustainable Land Services for Liberia (SLSL) Project, supported by the Government of Sweden, which includes Completion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) training for officers in four counties; Procurement of 12 motorbikes for field officers to enhance mobility and revenue collection; Stabilization and operationalization of the Land Administration System (LAS); Approval of new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for deed verification; and Installation of Starlink Internet in Grand Bassa, Margibi, and Bong Counties to improve service delivery.

He also revealed that, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the LLA recently facilitated the official handover of customary land deeds to 23 communities across Nimba, Grand Cape Mount, and Bomi Counties — a milestone in securing community land rights and strengthening local governance.

On October 16, 2025, the LLA signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with the South Korean firm All for Land and Lee Metrics, paving the way for the development and implementation of the Liberia Land Information System — a modern digital platform designed to revolutionize land administration, increase efficiency, and enhance transparency in property management.

“This partnership represents a major leap forward in our vision to digitize the land sector,” Kpakio said, describing the system as “a tool that will modernize service delivery and help curb fraud and duplication.”

Chairman Kpakio also disclosed that the LLA recently represented Liberia at the African Land Institutions Network Conference, held from October 14–16, 2025, in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The conference, organized by the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI) and the African Land Policy Center, brought together over 100 delegates, including land experts, policymakers, civil society leaders, and development partners.

Under the theme “Strengthening Land Institutions for Inclusive Growth and Resilience,” the LLA showcased Liberia’s innovations in land governance, including community-driven approaches that empower women, youth, and customary communities.

“It was gratifying that Liberia’s Land Authority was used as a case study for other African countries,” Kpakio noted. “We acknowledge that we still have a long way to go, but we are making steady and measurable progress.”

In closing, Chairman Kpakio reaffirmed the LLA’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and service to the Liberian people.

“Together with the continuous support of our government, development partners, and citizens, we will build a land sector that promotes peace, ensures justice, and fosters sustainable development for all Liberians,” he concluded.