Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio should seriously consider replacing the current Minister of Lands, Dr. Turad Senesie. His tenure has been marked by a series of missteps and controversies that have increasingly undermined the government’s credibility and effectiveness in managing land issues. Since assuming office, Dr. Senesie’s actions have raised serious concerns among the populace, leading many to question the integrity of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) as the country approaches the 2028 elections.
One of the most alarming issues is the growing perception that Dr. Senesie has prioritized personal ambitions over the welfare of Sierra Leoneans. Reports indicate that his ministry has engaged in the unlawful appropriation of private lands under the pretext of reclaiming state-owned properties. This has sparked outrage, as citizens allege that the minister and his team have illegally seized vast tracts of land in various locations, including Angola Town, Goderich, and the Tokeh Peninsula.
Investigations have revealed that many of these lands, which have fallen victim to the minister’s aggressive actions, are legitimately owned by private individuals who possess all necessary documentation. Some landowners have held their properties for over a decade, consistently paying taxes to the government. The situation has created a climate of fear and uncertainty among landowners, who now find themselves at the mercy of a government official who appears to prioritize his agenda over the rule of law.
A particularly distressing case is that of Alpha Conteh, a Sierra Leonean residing in the United States, who is among the many victims of these unlawful seizures. Despite having all the relevant documentation for his four acres of land in Tokeh Village, Dr. Senesie has reportedly taken possession of this land and sold it to another individual. This is not an isolated incident; there are countless others like Alpha Conteh, who are suffering in silence as they watch their rights and properties being disregarded.
If President Bio does not intervene and address this troubling situation, it could have severe ramifications for the government’s reputation and future development initiatives. The stakes are high, and the cries of the affected citizens are growing louder. It is imperative that the administration acts decisively to restore public trust in the Lands Ministry and to uphold the principles of justice and fairness that should guide the governance of Sierra Leone. Replacing Dr. Senesie could be a crucial step towards achieving this goal and ensuring that the government remains accountable to its citizens.