By: D Abraham Cooper, Sr. | Grand Gedeh Correspondent
Toe City, B’hai Administrative District, Grand Gedeh County | April 21, 2026 | The Liberia Land Authority (LLA), working alongside its Human Rights Office in Grand Gedeh, has issued a final decision in a prolonged land dispute involving the Ganyan, Charlie, and Weagar families in Toe City, B’hai Administrative District, Grand Gedeh County.
The dispute, which lasted several months, was first reported to the Toe City Magisterial Court after Edward Charlie accused Abubakr Fofana an employee of Abraham Kromah of illegally occupying his land. However, the court later transferred the case to the LLA, recognizing its authority over land matters.
During the investigation, multiple claims surfaced. The Charlie family maintained ownership of the land, while the Weagar family argued that their ancestors had long-standing ties to the area.
Findings presented by the LLA’s Human Rights officer, Mr. Lawrence Myers, revealed that the Ganyan family had settled in the region as early as the 1960s. This disclosure heightened tensions during a public hearing, resulting in a verbal confrontation between Samuel Ganyan and Mark Vah of the Weagar family.
Testimonies also showed that the Ganyan family had previously allowed Abraham Kromah to use part of their farmland based on a long-term relationship, granting him and his relatives farming rights.
Providing further clarification, Grand Gedeh County Land Investigator Moses Gaye confirmed that historical evidence supports the Ganyan family’s ownership of the forest land. He explained that their ancestors established the settlement and later welcomed Oldman Charlie, who reportedly arrived in 1986.
According to Gaye, consultations with community members reinforced the claim that the land belongs to the Ganyan family. He also cautioned against referring to fellow Liberians as “strangers,” stressing that such labels should only apply to foreign nationals.
Additionally, he warned about the increasing trend of individuals claiming large areas of forest land based on minimal ancestral connections, noting that this practice is contributing to frequent land disputes, especially in Grand Gedeh County.
Eyewitness accounts further supported the Ganyan family’s claim, with one resident stating that their forefather settled in the area in 1964 and played a key role in developing the community, even hosting a visit from former President William V. S. Tubman.
As part of its ruling, the LLA defined the Charlie family’s boundary from the main road into the forest, ending at a designated tree identified during the investigation. The Authority also instructed Abraham Kromah to continue farming activities while awaiting a formal land survey involving all parties.
The LLA emphasized that legitimate land ownership can only be confirmed through proper surveys and urged all sides to undertake official land demarcation. It further noted that while families may retain rights to areas historically used by their ancestors, the larger forest land remains under the ownership of the Government of Liberia.
In conclusion, the Authority announced plans to expand its land rights awareness campaign to B’hai District, encouraging residents to secure legal ownership through proper surveys to avoid future disputes.
