By Joseph Momoh | D.S. Reporter
Freetown, Monday, 8th September 2026* — The Government of Sierra Leone has rolled out sweeping reforms to overhaul land administration, targeting fraudulent sales, land disputes and unplanned settlements that have plagued the country for decades.
Minister of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Dr. Turad Senesi, announced the measures at the Miatta Conference Centre during a public engagement on “Land Reform – Where Are We?”
Senesi said the reforms will digitize land records, enforce stricter development controls, decentralize planning to local councils, and introduce formal title registration to guarantee ownership.
“Too many Sierra Leoneans have lost land to double sales and weak documentation,” the Minister said. “Digital records will verify ownership, track transactions, and end the era of multiple sales of the same property.”
Under the new plan, all construction will be required to meet standards for roads, drainage, sanitation, water and electricity. The Minister warned that poorly planned settlements pose serious public safety risks by blocking emergency services.
The National Country Planning Act will serve as the legal backbone for the reforms. Senesi stressed that developers and property owners must secure approvals, complete assessments, and hire qualified professionals before building.
A major shift will see local councils take on more responsibility for planning and enforcement. The Ministry will retain oversight for policy, legislation, monitoring and evaluation. Capacity-building programs are already underway to equip council officials for the expanded role.
The government is also moving toward a full title registration system. Senesi said this will give landowners legal certainty and make it easier to access financing for investments, including large-scale agriculture.
He added that a modern land administration system will boost government revenue and provide more resources for national development.
The Minister called the reforms a long-term national project that requires cooperation from government institutions, councils, developers, landowners and communities. He urged citizens to comply with regulations and take part in the process.
“Land is the foundation of development. We must get it right,” Senesi said.
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