Ministry Suspends Land Approvals in Newton Songo Corridor

By Mahmud Tim Kargbo

Freetown, Sierra Leone – 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 must cease immediately.

The decision, published as Government Notice No. 371 in the Sierra Leone Gazette on 28 August 2025, enforces the Unoccupied Lands Act, Cap 117 (1960). The Ministry stressed that non-compliance will constitute a legal breach, with penalties including fines or imprisonment.

The Gazette includes the Newton and Songo Colony and Environs Boundary Schedule (Plot 1), Schedule Block 1, which provides beacon references, distances, and GPS coordinates precisely defining the affected area. Full details are available at the Government Printing Press, 14 Howe Street, Freetown.

A total of 47 communities fall within the mapped boundary, including: 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.

Proof of Ownership Required

Claimants must submit proof of ownership between 1 September 2025 and 28 February 2026 to the Deputy Director of Surveys and Lands, Mr. Abraham Cooper. An acknowledgment receipt will be issued upon submission, though it does not confer ownership. Verification will include satellite imagery analysis 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. Residents without formal documentation but with longstanding occupancy will be offered State Land Grants to regularize tenure.

After February 2026, unclaimed land will revert to the State, and the Sierra Leone Police alongside the Office of the Attorney General will enforce the law against unauthorized occupation.

The Ministry emphasized that the exercise is legal, transparent, and in the national interest, aligning with President Julius Maada Bio’s “Big Five” reform agenda and addressing concerns from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission regarding land disputes that fuel 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.”