Published: June 15, 2026
BUCHANAN, Grand Bassa County – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has become embroiled in another land dispute, this time in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, where it is facing allegations of encroachment and unlawful occupation of private property.
The matter, currently before the Second Judicial Circuit Court in Grand Bassa County, stems from an Ejectment Action filed by a family claiming ownership of two lots of land situated in the WATCO Camp community. The plaintiffs are seeking legal relief, alleging that the Church unlawfully occupied and fenced their property.
According to sources familiar with the dispute, the Church initially acquired four lots of land from members of the Neal family for the construction of a church-related project. However, after determining that the purchased property was insufficient for its planned development, the Church allegedly sought to acquire two additional adjacent lots.
The source, who requested anonymity because of the ongoing litigation, claimed that arrangements were made for the purchase of the additional lots through the same sellers. However, questions reportedly arose regarding the legitimacy of the transaction and whether the individuals who received payment were the rightful owners of the land.
According to the source, the Church was allegedly led to believe that the transaction was valid and that no competing ownership claims existed over the disputed property.
That belief was challenged in February 2025 when a family claiming ownership of the two lots filed an ejectment lawsuit against the Church.
Court documents reportedly accuse the Church of unlawfully taking possession of the property and erecting a fence around it without legal authority. The plaintiffs contend that the land was wrongfully occupied in violation of Liberia’s property laws and are asking the court to restore their ownership rights.
The latest dispute comes less than two years after the Church suffered a significant legal setback in a similar land controversy in Monrovia.
In August 2024, the Supreme Court of Liberia upheld lower court rulings in favor of the Gaye Family in a long-running property dispute involving land adjacent to the SOS Health Center on Tubman Boulevard. The courts found that the Church had no legal basis for occupying the property and ordered its eviction from the disputed area.
That ruling attracted considerable public attention and raised broader questions about land ownership verification processes and due diligence procedures employed during property transactions.
Our judicial correspondent said the Buchanan case could further test the Church’s property acquisition practices if the allegations are substantiated in court. Some analysts argue that recurring land disputes involving large institutions highlight the need for stronger title verification mechanisms and greater transparency in real estate transactions across Liberia.
However, supporters of the Church caution against drawing conclusions before the court has heard all evidence, noting that property disputes are common in Liberia due to overlapping claims, inadequate land records, and historical ownership conflicts.
As the case proceeds before the Second Judicial Circuit Court, both sides are expected to present documentary evidence and witness testimony to establish ownership of the contested property.
The Church has not yet publicly commented on the allegations.
With the matter now before the courts, the outcome could have significant implications not only for the parties involved but also for future land transactions involving religious institutions and corporate entities operating in Liberia.
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