House Steps in Camp Ramrod Barracks Land Disputes, Cites Residents for Hearing

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: The House of Representatives has moved to arrange a critical hearing with residents of the 72nd Community in Paynesville who claim that the eviction carried out at the Camp Ramrod Military Barracks affected their legitimate properties, including parcels of land.

The House intervention follows a formal communication filed by Montserrado County District #5 Representative Priscillia Cooper, who called for an urgent approach to address the matter.

Speaking in session on Thursday, February 5, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon announced that the House leadership has taken up the matter and will provide affected residents the opportunity to present documents, history, and evidence supporting their ownership of the lands around the Camp Ramrod Military Barracks.

Speaker Koon vowed that the House of Representatives will address the matter through a peaceful dialogue and ensure that the necessary steps are considered.

“The House of Representatives stands for the welfare and dignity of every Liberian,” Speaker Koon declared. “We will ensure that all grievances are addressed through peaceful dialogue and proper institutional channels.”

The high-level meeting, scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Capitol Building, is expected to draw tense testimony from families who insist that their lands are being threatened or taken over without due process.

The eviction of residents from the Camp Ramrod Military Barracks, commonly known as the 72nd Barracks, by personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia has come at the center of controversy. Many claim that the Army is encroaching on land beyond the normal barracks space.

The Ministry of National Defense has earlier clarified that the Army is reclaiming its legitimate land to reserve accommodations for new recruits, and that the move does not intend to target or infringe on the rights of civilians.

Meanwhile, following the House of Representatives' intervention, Montserrado County District #5 Representative Priscillia Cooper, welcomed the decision, stating that her constituents have been eagerly waiting to be heard.

“We cannot allow our people to be pushed aside without being heard,” Representative Cooper told lawmakers, stressing that “the rights of citizens must be respected, even in matters touching on national security.”

House leaders say the outcome of the meeting will shape future engagements with the Ministry of National Defense and other relevant agencies to balance “fairness, transparency, national security, and community stability.”