Group of Women Petition Local Authorities to Resolve Longstanding Land Conflict in River Gee

Ben TC Brooks

River Gee County – [Sept. 4, 2025] – A group of women from the Tuobo Administrative district, on 4^th September 2025 marched into the River Gee County Administrative Building with placards, demanding a resolution in the ongoing land demarcation between Tuobo and Webbo Administrative Districts.

Tuobo and Webbo are sub-tribes of the Grebo ethnic group, sharing boundary and history of intermarriages. The two districts have been faced with a longstanding land dispute which has further been complicated by the encroachment of Burkinabe migrants on forest lands in the area.

The women’s spokesperson, Madam Annie J. Wollor, recounted the failed attempts to resolve the land conflict due to delays from the county authorities. She stressed the urgent need for intervention in order to prevent potential escalation of the violence, citing recent conflicts in other areas that led to loss of life.

Madam Wollor emphasized that the community, including children, youth, women, and their husbands, came together peacefully to petition County Superintendent Mike T. Swengbe for immediate action.

She noted that peaceful coexistence between Tuobo and Webbo has been disrupted by false claims of land, mainly driven by the activities of Burkinabe migrants.

Another women leader, Mary D. Kossigba, clarified that the issue was not with the presence of Burkinabe migrants in Webbo but with their encroachment onto lands belonging to the Tuobo community. She highlighted the importance of respecting boundaries and avoiding conflict over land ownership.

In response to the petitions, the River Gee County Superintendent, Mike T. Swengbe, and his team assured the women of their commitment to address the matter amicably. They promised to take action by Monday, September 8, 2025, to resolve the demarcation issues and restore peace between the two districts.

Meanwhile, the Statutory District Superintendent, Robert B. Dickson, confirmed the receipt of funds allocated for the survey team to address the demarcation concerns.

He explained that the funds were divided, with $20,000LRD used for transporting the surveyors and the remaining $20,000LRD held by the Township Commissioner to cover the surveyors’ return costs after completing their work on Monday.