Liberia Moves to Establish Specialized Court for Land Disputes

MONROVIA, September 28, 2026 — The Law Reform Commission (LRC) is drafting legislation to establish a specialized court for land disputes in Liberia, as authorities seek a more focused judicial mechanism for resolving competing claims to property.

LRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah disclosed recently in Monrovia that Liberia currently has no dedicated court specifically responsible for adjudicating land disputes.

He said the proposed legislation is intended to create a specialized judicial institution with the expertise and legal authority to handle land-related cases, which are currently dealt with largely through the existing court system.

“Some of you followed the President when he appeared before the Legislature in January. This was one of the key issues he spoke about,” Varmah said.

“We have therefore taken it as a major priority and deliverable for the Law Reform Commission. We are hoping that the legislation will be drafted soon, validated, and submitted to the Legislature to ensure that we have a dedicated court for the resolution of land disputes.”

According to Varmah, the proposed legislation is expected to provide for specialized expertise within the court and could include a three-judge arrangement for adjudicating land-related cases.

He explained that parties involved in disputes would be required to present evidence supporting their respective claims, allowing the court to determine who has the legal right to the disputed property.

The proposed reform comes amid longstanding concerns over land ownership and competing property claims in Liberia, where disputes can involve questions of deeds, inheritance, customary ownership, boundaries and multiple claims to the same property.

Varmah said establishing a specialized land court forms part of the Commission’s broader efforts to reform Liberia’s legal system and ensure that laws and institutions respond effectively to emerging challenges.

However, he emphasized that the Commission’s mandate extends beyond drafting legislation to improving public access to existing laws.

In that regard, Varmah disclosed that the LRC is developing a digital legal portal that will provide online access to Liberia’s laws, regulations, executive orders and legal instruments establishing government ministries, agencies and commissions.

He said development of the platform is about 80 percent complete and that it is expected to serve as a comprehensive digital repository of Liberian laws.

According to him, the portal would allow Liberians at home and abroad, as well as researchers and other interested persons, to access legal materials without having to physically visit government offices or legal institutions.

Varmah said the Commission is also expanding public awareness of its work through social media, radio appearances and other public information initiatives.

He said greater public visibility is important because citizens need to understand proposed legal reforms and how existing and new laws affect them.

The LRC chairman also disclosed that the Commission is working on other legislative initiatives, including proposed health insurance legislation being developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

According to Varmah, the proposed health insurance scheme is intended to provide coverage for working Liberians through a contributory system that could include salary deductions.

He said the proposed legislation has already been presented to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai through collaboration involving the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the proposed specialized land court remains at the legislative drafting stage.

Its final structure, jurisdiction, composition and procedures will depend on the completed draft, validation process and subsequent consideration by the Legislature.