By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning (MLHCP) has strongly refuted recent defamatory allegations made against the institution, its staff, and the Government of Sierra Leone, describing them as false, misleading, and aimed at undermining public confidence.
In a public notice issued this week, the ministry clarified that the allegations originated from a social media post by Ms. Admire Bio, who accused the Ministry of malpractice in relation to a land dispute. According to the ministry, the statements are not only unfounded but also pose a serious threat to the integrity of public institutions.
The ministry explained that in 2024, it received a formal complaint of land encroachment involving Ms. Admire Bio. She was invited to participate in a document verification exercise but reportedly refused to provide ownership documents. Officials further observed that she had begun construction without presenting a valid building permit.
As a result, the ministry issued a stop-work order, which Ms. Bio allegedly ignored. The Sierra Leone Police were later called in to maintain law and order.
Subsequent investigations established that the land in question had been legally purchased by Mr. Ali Abdallah Jouni in 2016, based on a survey plan signed on July 4 of that year. Records at the ministry confirmed that the land had originally been acquired by Mr. Alieu Thorlu-Bangura in May 1977, with all supporting documentation properly filed and registered.
The ministry stated that it is not aware of any court action or official transaction that has altered the ownership of the said property.
Rather than pursuing her claims through the courts as required by law, Ms. Bio reportedly sought redress in Parliament. The ministry emphasized that while Parliament has oversight responsibilities over policy matters concerning land and housing, it is not a court of adjudication and cannot rule on ownership disputes.
More recently, Ms. Bio has been accused of making social media posts laced with insults directed at senior officials within the ministry, an action the ministry has condemned as abusive, defamatory, and counterproductive.
Moreover, the ministry reiterated its firm position that land disputes are best resolved through established legal channels, in line with due process, transparency, and the rule of law. It further reserved the right to pursue legal action against defamatory statements, cyber bullying, and material misrepresentations that undermine the integrity of public institutions.
“The ministry reserves all rights to pursue legal redress for defamatory statements, cyber bullying and material misrepresentations that threaten the integrity of public institutions and undermine public confidence,” the notice stressed.
In a separate assurance, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the gains of land reform and ensuring lawful land administration in Sierra Leone. It appealed to the public to exercise caution, rely on official communications for accurate information, and avoid spreading misinformation.
The ministry also urged the media and the wider public to engage constructively with its offices to promote transparency and accountability in land governance.
“Thank you for your attention and cooperation in maintaining the integrity and reputation of Sierra Leone’s public institutions,” the statement concluded.
The ministry’s strong response underlines its determination to safeguard public trust while ensuring that land disputes are resolved through lawful and transparent processes rather than misinformation and defamatory claims.
