By Moses M. Tokpah/MARGIBI
The Secretary General of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA), Elisha Forkeyoh, has called on the national government to take firm and decisive measures to address the persistent land disputes that continue to plague Liberia.
Cllr. Forkeyoh’s call comes amid broader concerns about the slow pace of criminal and ejectment trials in Liberia, which undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
Golda A. Bonah Elliott, 13th Judicial Circuit Court assigned judge had previously stressed the constitutional right to a fair and speedy trial, noting that delays in such cases can lead to enforcement difficulties and public disorder.
Speaking in response to concerns raised by the judge in Kakata recently, Cllr. Forkeyoh identified surveyors as a significant factor contributing to the rising number of ejectment cases, particularly in Margibi County compared to Montserrado.
Cllr. Forkeyoh revealed that investigations conducted by him uncovered instances where surveyors, who are supposed to assist courts in resolving land disputes, have acted contrary to court orders and reports.
He cited a case where a surveyor was ordered to deliver a report to a party in possession but instead acted in opposition to the report’s findings, raising suspicions of compromise and bias.
This behavior, he warned, undermines the judiciary’s efforts and prolongs ejectment proceedings unnecessarily.
He emphasized that surveyors operate under the jurisdiction of the courts, having been recommended by the Liberia Land Authority (LLA), and therefore must be held accountable when they violate court laws or procedures.
“The courts must not hesitate to deal decisively with surveyors who contribute to the prolongation of ejectment cases,” Cllr. Forkeyoh urged.
The LNBA Secretary General also encouraged courts to scrutinize not only the parties involved in land disputes but also the surveyors whose actions complicate and delay justice.
He described surveyors as an arm of the court meant to provide technical assistance but lamented that their misconduct has often been detrimental to fair resolution.
Meanwhile, the LNBA through its Secretary General reiterated call for the government and judiciary to act decisively against corrupt or negligent surveyors to expedite ejectment cases and restore public trust in land dispute resolutions.
