By Mahmud Tim Kargbo
Wednesday, 24 September 2025
Freetown.
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning has issued Government Notice No. 371 in the Sierra Leone Gazette, Vol. CLXVI, No. 73, dated Thursday 28 August 2025. Through this measure, the Ministry is invoking the Unoccupied Lands Act, Cap 117 (1960) (https://www.sierra-leone.org/Laws/1960-19.pdf), to recover land along the Newton and Songo corridor and surrounding communities. Claimants must present evidence of ownership to the Deputy Director of Surveys and Lands, Mr Abraham Cooper, from 1 September 2025 to 28 February 2026. A receipt will be issued for every submission, and all communications must be channeled through Mr Cooper alone.
The Gazette includes the Newton and Songo Colony and Environs Boundary Schedule (Plot 1), Schedule Block 1, which provides the exact coordinates, distances, and beacon markers defining the tracts under review. The public is encouraged to consult the full document at the Government Printing Press, 14 Howe Street, Freetown.
Communities Named
The Gazette lists 47 communities within the boundaries of the project. They are:
Kallie Town, Brama, Newton, Madonkeh, Rogbom, Mamango, Maba, Masoko, Mayembana, Robis, Maseleh, Makonkodeh, Masella, Konta, Kwama, Rogere, Gbonkowaylay, Mafullah, Fabaina, Mahena, Ngarahun, Malamana, Masorie, Robonga, Rokundoh, Maselor, Magbagba, Mapoponi, Songo Loko, Mabala, Crossing, Foya, Masita, Makrifoh, Mabatama, Makolbondo, Magbaft, 5-Mile, 6-Mile, Katu Town, Kporbu, Gbowela, Maswaray, Gbovenhum, Makono, Mapakira, and Magbanamaty.
Note: Communities with over twelve years of uninterrupted occupation are excluded from repossession under the law.
Schedule Outline
Schedule One: 25,000 hectares in Newton and Songo, with details in the Gazette.
Schedule Two: Additional adjoining parcels, carefully demarcated.
President Julius Maada Bio has made it clear that the government’s actions are entirely lawful and fair, stressing that repossession will protect the wider population’s interest, while safeguarding those with genuine claims. His leadership reflects the SLPP’s “Big Five” reform agenda to ensure discipline and accountability in governance.
The process also honours the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which emphasised that poor land governance had fueled grievances and undermined public trust. By acting firmly within the law, the government aims to rectify past failings and ensure land justice for all.
Legal Framework
Cap 117 considers land unoccupied; unless twelve years of uninterrupted lawful use can be shown, such as through farming, housing, water use, or industry. If not proven, repossession by the State follows as a matter of law. Source: https://www.sierra-leone.org/Laws/1960-19.pdf
Six-Month Claim Period
The notice gives six months, from 1 September 2025 to 28 February 2026, for submission of claims. Each claimant will receive a numbered acknowledgement for record-keeping.
Those with long-standing occupation, but lacking documentation, will be offered State Land Grants, regularising their rights. Papers signed by Headmen are invalid, following the 2019 Miatta Conference Agreement that confirmed Headmen cannot legally issue land titles.
Modern Verification
“Verification will rely on satellite imagery covering many decades. This gives us concrete evidence year by year,” said Tamba Sahr Dauda, Acting Professional Head and Director of Surveys and Lands. “If occupation of more than twelve years can be proven, the property remains untouched. The law will be applied firmly and fairly.”
Post-February 2026
Once the deadline passes, any unclaimed parcels will be registered as State Land. Occupiers without authority will face legal consequences, including fines or imprisonment. Enforcement will be undertaken by the Sierra Leone Police with the Office of the Attorney General.
Background
The Unoccupied Lands Act of 1960 originated during colonial rule, separating Crown Lands from Communal Lands. Today, enforcement is essential to maintain state authority and protect public assets.
Dr Mariama Conteh, researcher in land tenure, stated:
“Although born in colonial times, the Act today provides the legal backbone for the State to reclaim land that has been abandoned. Its application is both legitimate and necessary to preserve public land for national development.”
National Importance
Land has long been at the heart of disputes in Sierra Leone, especially in the Western Area, where demand continues to rise. By enforcing the Act, the government will prevent fraud, protect the rights of genuine occupants, and guarantee land for future generations.
Minister Turad Sanesie, Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, summed it up: “The process is fair and open. Those with valid rights will be secured, but land not in lawful occupation must return to the people through the State.”
Essential Points
- Act passed in 1960 under colonial administration.
- Defines land not lawfully occupied as “unoccupied.”
- Twelve years’ continuous occupation safeguards land.
- Six months’ notice required before repossession.
- Land left unclaimed becomes State property.