By: Taisiah K. Merfee| Staff Writer
Montserrado County, Monrovia –Wednesday, February 19,2025-The Chairman of the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), Hon. Samuel F. Kpakio, has called on all employees and staff to improve their work ethic and become more efficient and effective, grounded in best practices, and embrace the new way of doing business in the land sector. He revealed that under his leadership, the LLA will operate differently this time.
As an assurance to partners and the public, the Chairman stated that his work will be grounded in the core values of the LLA, emphasizing Quality Service Delivery, Transparency, Fairness, Accountability, Integrity, Professionalism, and Respect as the hallmarks of his tenure.
In furtherance of this new vision, the LLA’s new Chairman called for the full support and cooperation of staff and employees as he steers the affairs of the Authority for the next five years.
Hon. Kpakio emphasized that during his tenure; there will be no room for unethical and unprofessional conduct—both in administration and in interactions with our development partners and the Liberian public.
“As we strive together, let me enlighten us that there will be no business as usual. We cannot continue to do the same things and expect different results,” he stressed.
He vowed that under his stewardship, the LLA will rely on staff collaboration and support in strategic areas that will propel the LLA forward in regaining its image and achieving its goals.
“Together, we can make substantial strides in land reform, land governance, and sustainable land management. The LLA is an entity of immense potential and significance, as it deals with the complex and often contentious issues surrounding land matters,” he noted.
He assured the staff that management will strive to enhance their work through training and incentives, among other initiatives.
Additionally, he personally reminded them that success can only be achieved when they work together as a team to enhance productivity and service delivery at the LLA.
Reflecting on the entity’s mission statement, the LLA Chairman noted that to contribute to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Liberia through the effective and efficient delivery of land governance and administration services that ensure equitable access to land, security of tenure, proper land use, and protection of the environment, they must continuously assess their work against this mission and make necessary changes to regain the trust and confidence of the people and development partners.
He continued: “We need to take decisive actions that signal LLA’s readiness to live up to its established mandates. Our sector faces many challenges, and people continue to voice their concerns and frustrations.”
“This is an urgent crisis that demands a suitable solution. The Liberian people and partners are becoming frustrated, and we must provide solutions to restore their hope.”
“I assure you that I will champion this fight. Under my administration, the LLA will ensure that staffs contributing to this crisis are dealt with according to established laws. We will begin this fight within the LLA. I urge staff who are causing confusion and undermining the LLA’s mandate to amend their ways or be prepared to face the consequences,” the Chairman added.
To our Liberian public, on whose trust we serve, let me give you hope. I will impress upon my colleagues the importance of initiating actions to resolve your concerns.
They are well aware of your pains and are thinking of ways to mitigate them. Under my chairmanship, the LLA will work with relevant government institutions, like the judiciary, to ensure that those engaging in dubious activities in the land sector are punished. We need to send a clear warning: Action is what we need, and action we will take.
He encourages staff to share information and count on the LLA.
“We see you as partners, and with your support, we will be better prepared to defeat these activities. This is our responsibility and mandate—a mandate we will not renege on until we have a well-functioning land sector,” he added.
The Chairman also expressed his gratitude to His Excellency Joseph N. Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia, for the confidence reposed in him to serve as Chairman of the Liberia Land Authority (LLA).
The induction ceremony was attended by government officials, International partners and CSOs in land sector , including Grand Cape Mount, Senator Simeon Boima Taylor, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Land Mines, Energy and Natural Resources, Hon. Samukai Dunnoh, Deputy Minister for Administration, Ministry for Public Works, Former Justice Minister, Cllr. Frank Musa Dean, Christopher Byrne, Project Manager, Swedish Government- supported Sustainable Land Service for Development in Liberia, Mr. James Yarsiah, Executive Director, Multi-Actor platform on Land Governance- MAP, member of the Board of Commissioners, Dr. Mahmoud Solomon, Hon. Uriah Garsinii, Hon. Ali Kaba, and Hon. Joe K. Williams, LLA’s Executive Director Stanley Toe who also made strong remarks in support of Chairman Kpakio’s administration.
Moreover, the program was also well attended by employees of the Liberia Land Authority in Monrovia and across Liberia.
Edited: Jesefu Morris Keita| Editor-In-Chief
