Parliament Warns Lands Ministry Against Bullying Citizens
By JKM
Freetown, Sierra Leone —
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Lands in the Sixth Parliament, Hon. Quintin Salia Konneh, has assured the public that Parliament will not allow the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning to intimidate or bully citizens in matters relating to land disputes.
Hon. Konneh made the statement on Friday, March 13, 2026, during an engagement meeting held in Committee Room One at the Parliament of Sierra Leone.
The meeting brought together victims involved in land disputes and other relevant stakeholders to discuss growing concerns surrounding land ownership conflicts in the country.
According to the committee chairperson, the Parliamentary Committee on Lands serves as a supervisory body responsible for overseeing the work of the ministry and ensuring that the rights of citizens are respected. He emphasized that Parliament has a duty to hold public institutions accountable and to protect individuals from unfair treatment in land administration matters.
Hon. Konneh noted that numerous complaints have been brought before the committee regarding land disputes, particularly those involving families who claim ownership of lands that are now contested. He assured victims that the committee would carefully examine the issues presented and ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law.
During the engagement, the committee chairperson made specific reference to a dispute involving the Munu Family and one Mr. Lahai. He explained that the matter has generated significant concern among the parties involved and requires a transparent and fair resolution process.
Hon. Konneh urged officials of the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, especially the Director General and his team, to work diligently toward resolving the dispute involving the Munu Family and Mr. Lahai. He stressed that the ministry must act responsibly and avoid actions that could worsen tensions or appear to favour one party over another.
“The committee will not allow the ministry to bully anybody,” Hon. Konneh stated firmly, adding that citizens must feel confident that government institutions will treat them fairly and with respect.
He further explained that land issues remain among the most sensitive and complex challenges facing many communities in Sierra Leone. Disputes over ownership, documentation, and allocation of land have frequently resulted in legal battles and, in some cases, community tensions.
The committee chairperson therefore called on all stakeholders involved in land management and administration to prioritize dialogue, fairness, and adherence to due process in addressing such disputes.
Representatives from key institutions, including the Land Commission of Sierra Leone and the Sierra Leone Roads Authority, were also present during the engagement. Their participation, according to the committee, is crucial because land-related matters often involve multiple government agencies responsible for planning, infrastructure development, and land registration.
Stakeholders at the meeting shared concerns about the growing number of land disputes and the need for stronger coordination among institutions responsible for land governance. They emphasized the importance of transparency, proper documentation, and respect for community land rights.
Hon. Konneh reiterated that Parliament will continue to monitor the activities of the ministry and other relevant agencies to ensure that citizens’ rights are protected. He said the committee remains committed to ensuring that disputes are handled lawfully and without intimidation.
He concluded by encouraging all parties involved in the Munu Family dispute and similar cases to cooperate with the committee and relevant authorities in order to find peaceful and lawful solutions.
The engagement forms part of Parliament’s ongoing oversight role aimed at strengthening accountability in public institutions and ensuring that land administration in Sierra Leone is conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
