By Shallon S. Gonlor
GANTA CITY, Nimba County — A demolition exercise involving a bulldozer and armed officers of the Liberia National Police Emergency Response Unit has destroyed homes and businesses in the Ganta Old-General Market area, displacing families and traders.
The operation was carried out on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Affected residents allege they were not given adequate notice before the demolition began. The exercise is reportedly linked to a court order over ownership of the disputed property, which has been subject to competing claims for years.
The dispute dates back to the post-civil war period when returning residents rebuilt in the area. Residents claim the government declared the property subject to eminent domain during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Yei Wehyee, a mother of seven, said she had lived on the property since 2003. She said her home was destroyed and her family does not know where they will live or how her children will continue school.
Angelyn Kotoe, a resident since 2006, said the Ganta City Corporation permitted her to settle on the land. She alleged she paid local authorities for the settlement. Business operators, including Marthaline Paye and widow Esther Kelay, also lost their livelihoods in the demolition.
Affected residents are calling on the government, Nimba County authorities, and lawmakers to provide temporary shelter, resettlement assistance, or compensation.
They warn that children’s education could suffer as homes and school materials were destroyed.
