By Kadiatu Sankoh
Gorama Mende Chiefdom, Eastern Province-
A landmark moment in Sierra Leone’s land reform process unfolded in Gorama Mende Chiefdom, as District Land Commissioner, Charles Tucker, engaged families and traditional leaders on their new rights under the Customary Land Rights Act 2022.
The meeting, held at Tungie Court Barrie, drew a large gathering of community members’ eager to understand how the new legislation will affect land ownership, governance and development within the chiefdom.
Commissioner Tucker described the law as a transformative shift in land governance, returning authority over customary land to families and communities after decades of centralised control.
“The new law shifts power back to the actual families and communities, requiring their free, prior and informed consent before any industrial projects can take place,” Tucker said.
The Customary Land Rights Act 2022 was passed by Parliament in August 2022 and signed into law in September by President Julius Maada Bio. It forms part of a broader reform package that includes the National Land Commission Act 2022, aimed at modernising Sierra Leone’s land tenure system and replacing colonial-era laws with a framework grounded in transparency, fairness and community empowerment.
Under the new legal framework, families must give their consent before large-scale investments such as mining or commercial agriculture projects can proceed on their land. The legislation also strengthens the rights of landowners to negotiate fair compensation and lease agreements.
“By formalising land rights, we are safeguarding communities and ensuring that development benefits everyone, not just a privileged few,” Tucker emphasised.
He noted that prior to 2022, Paramount Chiefs exercised significant authority over customary land, often acting as key decision-makers in land transactions.
Commissioner Tucker commended President Bio for establishing a dedicated land-focused ministry and operationalising the National Land Commission, describing the move as “bold and transformative.”
He revealed that consultations are ongoing with Senior District Officers to enhance grassroots participation in land administration and to ensure communities are fully informed about their rights and responsibilities under the new laws.
Addressing concerns about land disputes, Tucker encouraged communities to resolve boundary issues amicably where possible. However, he clarified that unresolved matters can be formally submitted to the National Land Commission for adjudication.
Eastern Region Senior District Officer, Haroun Keh Turay, underscored the importance of inclusive land governance. He called for the establishment of effective Land Committees and stressed that women must play a central role.
“At least 30 percent female representation must be ensured in land ownership structures, and women’s consent must be obtained in writing during land transactions,” Turay said.
To facilitate implementation of the new laws, Tucker announced the recruitment of paralegals to educate rural communities on their rights, as well as para-surveyors to assist with mapping land lease boundaries. He urged landowners to ensure prompt registration of transactions with the National Land Commission in compliance with the law.
Alhaji Haroun Gassama, son of Paramount Chief, Haja Maryam Gassama-Kanja IV, expressed appreciation for the engagement and praised the government’s commitment to reform.
“This marks a significant milestone in advancing land reforms and reflects the broader national vision to promote equitable land management, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development across Sierra Leone,” he said.
The well-attended visit, which included local leaders, security personnel and residents, signals a new chapter in land governance for Gorama Mende Chiefdom, one anchored in community consent, inclusivity and accountability.