Africa-Press – Liberia. The Global Alliance of Grand Gedeans (GAGG) has strongly denounced what it describes as an “unauthorized and fraudulent” attempt to lease 500 acres of customary land in Grand Gedeh County to a foreign national, calling for the immediate prosecution of those involved.
The group, representing Grand Gedeans in the diaspora, has pointed accusing fingers at the County’s Superintendent Alex Chersia Grant – the man at the center of the saga, and County Attorney E. Winkins Nah of the Ministry of Justice.
In a press statement signed by Mrs. Annie Cooper Wilson Zaza, Acting Chairperson of GAGG, both men acted by signing the lease agreement transferring community land in the B’hai Administrative District, Gbarzon Statutory District, to a Burkinabe national.
“Superintendent Grant and County Attorney Nah acted beyond their legal powers. Their actions were not only a violation of the Land Rights Act but also a serious attempt to deprive the people of B’hai District of their land,” the statement read.
The LLA last week confirmed that both local officials acted outside the scope of their authority. The Authority also announced the dismissal of four central office staff and the indefinite suspension of county-level employees linked to the controversial deal. Those implicated have been referred for full-scale investigation.
Accordingly, the GAGG commended the LLA for its swift intervention but urged the Ministries of Justice and Internal Affairs to launch a full investigation into the matter, warning that such actions risk destabilizing peace and harmony in the county.
The group also expressed concern over what it described as the unchecked influx of more than 48,000 Burkinabe nationals into Grand Gedeh County, saying the attempted land lease could worsen local tensions and heighten security risks.
“It is troubling that local authorities, instead of addressing the growing presence of foreign nationals, are attempting to mortgage the land of Grand Gedeh. The interests and safety of our citizens must come first,” the group stated.
The diaspora organization further criticized Superintendent Grant’s leadership, saying it had earlier raised alarms about his integrity and suitability for the position when he was first nominated.
“We warned the appointing authority about Mr. Grant’s moral and leadership challenges. This latest scandal only confirms our earlier concerns,” the statement continued.
At the same time, the diaspora Grand Gedian group has called on the Government of Liberia to take decisive administrative actions to prevent further tension in Grand Gedeh County, stressing the need for accountability to protect community land rights and preserve peace.
“We must all work to maintain peace and stability among our people and across Liberia,” the group added.
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