By: Saidu Jalloh reporter
Dr. Richard Conteh, a prominent member of the All People’s Congress (APC) and former Minister and Chief of Staff under the Ernest Bai Koroma administration, has been summoned to court concerning a long-standing land dispute.
The case, initiated by Madam Marie Sesay, revolves around the ownership and possession of a plot of land in Gloucester, Western Area, and has escalated to the High Court’s Land, Property, and Environment Division. Court documents indicate that Madam Sesay is seeking the recovery of a two-town plot of land on Mamah Street, which she claims was unlawfully withheld by Dr. Conteh after she paid the agreed amount for the property. Additionally, she is demanding the return of $2,000 that she paid to Dr. Conteh for the construction of a perimeter fence around the land, a project that was never completed.
The dispute reportedly dates back over a decade, during which both parties have made multiple attempts to resolve the issue through third-party interventions, all of which have failed. According to the statement of claim, Sesay initially entered into an agreement with Dr. Conteh to purchase a four-town plot of land for $8,000. However, she alleges that Conteh only conveyed half of the land, retaining the other two-town plot despite receiving the full payment.
Furthermore, Sesay asserts that she paid an additional $2,000 to Dr. Conteh to facilitate the fencing of the entire property, but no fence was erected, and the remaining portion of land was never conveyed to her. Despite repeated requests and demands, including interventions from third parties, Dr. Conteh has allegedly refused to relinquish the remaining two-town lot, prompting Madam Sesay to seek legal recourse. She is asking the court to recover possession of the disputed land, reclaim the $2,000 paid for the perimeter fence, and seek general damages, legal costs, and any further orders the court deems appropriate.
Madam Sesay is represented by Marrah and Associates, while Dr. Richard Conteh will be defended by Fornah-Sesay, Cummings, and Co. The case has garnered significant attention, particularly due to Dr. Conteh’s status as a senior APC member and a potential candidate for the party’s 2028 presidential nomination. His involvement in this legal battle raises concerns about the implications of the outcome on his political ambitions.
