Rep. Cooper Urges House to Summon Defense Minister Over Land Dispute in Camp Ramrod Barracks Eviction

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: Montserrado County District #5 Representative,

Prescilla Cooper, has formally requested the Plenary of the House of Representatives to summon the Minister of National Defense, Geraldine George, to provide accounts on the land conflicts linked to the ongoing eviction of residents from the Camp Ramrod Military Barracks in the 72nd Community, in Paynesville.

Several people residing near the Camp Ramrod Military Barracks have decried that the eviction exercise by the Armed Forces of Liberia, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Defense, has affected their personal properties. 

In a communication on Tuesday, February 2, 2026, to House Speaker, Richard Nagbe Koon, Representative Cooper said the eviction exercise has plunged families into fear and resulted in disputes of land, which require urgent response from the Ministry of National Defense.

The Lawmaker stressed that, although the Armed Forces of Liberia reserves the right to its properties in the area, residents who legally own land near the barracks should not be victimized in the process.

“These residents have legitimate documents and yet they are now being treated as though they are illegally occupying their own land", she noted.

Representative Prescilla Cooper said summoning the relevant authority to account and provide a remedy for the situation, will ensure transparency in the ongoing eviction of residents from the Camp Ramrod Military Barracks.

According to her, the lack of distinction of bonding lands with the Barracks is creating panic among residents and could brew confrontation between civilians and the military.

“This matter has serious implications for peace, stability, and the protection of property rights, and it must be addressed openly and transparently,” Cooper said in her formal request to Plenary.

She stressed that the Defense Minister is the appropriate one to provide a position on whether the military recognizes the residents’ land documents or plans to claim the territory surrounding the Camp Ramrod Barracks.

“The Legislature cannot sit idle while law-abiding citizens are left in fear over land they legally own,” Cooper warned, calling on the House to act swiftly", The Lawmaker intoned.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defense through the Armed Forces of Liberia had earlier stated that the move is intended to reclaim legitimate barracks of the Army, and reserve accommodations for new recruits.

The AFL said it does not intend to target civilians. But, the emerging land conflicts amidst the eviction exercise have sparked concerns, with many calling for accountability and due process.