Mahmud Tim Kargbo, AYV News, October 8, 2025
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning has suspended all land survey approvals and building permits in the Newton Songo corridor and surrounding communities, warning that ongoing construction in the area must stop immediately.
The decision, announced through Government Notice No. 371 in the Sierra Leone Gazette on 28 August 2025, forms part of the enforcement of the Unoccupied Lands Act, Cap 117 (1960). The Ministry stressed that failure to comply will constitute a breach of the law, attracting penalties including fines or imprisonment.
According to the Gazette, the notice includes the Newton and Songo Colony and Environs Boundary Schedule (Plot 1), Schedule Block 1, which provides beacon references, distances, and GPS coordinates precisely outlining the affected land. Full details are available at the Government Printing Press, 14 Howe Street, Freetown.
Forty-seven communities fall within the mapped boundary. They include: 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.
Claimants are required to submit proof of ownership between 1 September 2025 and 28 February 2026 to the Deputy Director of Surveys and Lands, Mr Abraham Cooper. An acknowledgement receipt will be issued upon submission, though it does not confer ownership. Verification will be conducted through satellite imagery and statutory checks before any rights are confirmed.
The Ministry clarified that land is deemed unoccupied unless twelve years of lawful occupation can be demonstrated. Those without documents but with longstanding residence will be offered State Land Grants to regularise tenure.
After February 2026, any unclaimed land will revert to the State. The Sierra Leone Police and the Office of the Attorney General will enforce the law against unauthorised occupation.
The Ministry insists the exercise is legal, transparent and in the national interest, aligning with President Julius Maada Bio’s “Big Five” reform agenda and addressing concerns raised by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission about land disputes fuelling mistrust and grievance.
Minister Turad Sanesie stated, “The process is fair, transparent, and strictly in accordance with the law. Those with genuine rights will be protected, but land that is not in lawful occupation must return to the people through the State.”
