Published: July 23, 2024
GANTA, Nimba County – The Ganta Support Group (GSG), representing Mandingo citizens from Liberia and the diaspora, has issued an ultimatum for the return of land they claim is rightfully theirs. In a protest held on July 20, the group threatened unspecified actions if their demands are not met.
By S. Kannay Ziamo, with The Liberian Investigator
The protestors gathered at the former Ganta General Market and Ganta Main Street, with megaphones and placards. Slogans like “Stop the oppression; enough is enough” and “The ECOWAS Court has ruled in favor of the aggrieved landowners against the government of Liberia” highlighted their frustration.
In July 2003, The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) ruled in the case of Ganta Support Group ordering the respondent (The Republic of Liberia) to take all necessary steps to restore the applicants’ rights to their ancestral land and ensure that a similar occurrence is avoided in the future.
The Court further mandated the Republic of Liberia to submit a report on the measures taken to implement the Court’s orders within six months from the date of notification of the judgment. As part of the reparation, the Court ordered the respondent to pay compensation of US$25,000 to the applicant and US$5,000 for the violation of their right to property pursuant to Article 14 of the ACHPR.
The court’s ruling established a violation of the right to property under Article 14 of the ACHPR. It also highlighted that the Republic of Liberia violated Article 1 of the ACHPR by failing to take remedial actions to prevent the breach of rights guaranteed in the ACHPR.
During Monday’s protest, Seydou M. Kromah, GSG’s leader, declared, “We don’t really care. Those perpetrating violence against us, if we come to develop our area, will get what they deserve. We are saying it; put me on record.”
The GSG cites a 2023 ECOWAS court ruling that ordered the Liberian government to restore their land rights and pay compensation. Despite this, the government has not enforced the ruling, leaving the Mandingo community feeling marginalized and ignored.
The disputed land includes parcels at Saclepea Parking and the former Ganta General Market, contested by the Suah and Kormah families, among others. Former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf had declared some of these lands as eminent domain, but conflicts continue.
Ganta City Mayor Samuel S. Hardt acknowledged the right to protest but criticized the GSG for not notifying authorities. He emphasized that the dispute is between families, not tribes, and has scheduled a meeting to seek a peaceful resolution.
Ganta’s land disputes have a long history, with several committees failing to resolve the conflicts. Efforts by the Abdullai Johnson Committee in 2006 and the Musa Hassan Bility Presidential Land Dispute Resolution Committee in 2009, despite substantial financial investment, did not bring lasting peace.
In 2021, another committee was formed by former President George Manneh Weah following violent land conflicts, but it too fell short due to funding issues.
Kromah stressed that the GSG will not back down, indicating this protest is just the beginning. “We are coming back; this is just the prelude. No way will we accept compromising any inch of our land,” he asserted.
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