IPNEWS: The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Public Works (MPW), says it will this month carryout a massive alleyway investigation and opening exercise scheduled to take place between April and June 2026. This initiative according to a statement from the Government of Liberia aims to remove illegal encroachments, create community layout diagrams, and improve road accessibility and drainage across Montserrado and Margibi counties.
The ministry statement says the alleyway opening will target various locations for alleyway clearing, including Thinker’s Village, New Covenant Baptist Church Community, Parker Paint, and Wowins Town in Paynesville. Other areas named for clearing includes City View Upper, Doen Town Lower, and Mount Barclay
in Johnsonville, Fendell, and ending with Sims Community and Jerusalem in June.
The Ministry of Public Works says the purpose of this alleyway clearing is to reclaim public alleys and right-of-ways occupied by illegal structures to facilitate future infrastructure development and emergency vehicle access.
The statement further states that the MPW’s Zoning Division has been marking structures in violation of the National Zoning Law.
The Ministry has strongly cautioned that any structure erected without a valid construction permit or built in prohibited zones will be subject to demolition.
Residents are encouraged to monitor official updates as the schedule is expected to be updated monthly for additional communities.
On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Montserrado County District #9 Representative
Frank Saah Foko, was reportedly forced to flee after the Liberia National Police (LNP) officers deployed tear gas during a land dispute in Worto Town, Airfield Sinkor.
Representative Foko went to Wroto Town to support residents involved in a simmering land dispute. He alleged that the land was being “forcefully confiscated”.
Officers used tear gas to disperse the gathered crowd and calm tensions, which forced the lawmaker to leave the area.
Following the incident, Foko publicly accused Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman of threatening his life and planning an assassination plot against him and his family.
Foko announced plans to file a formal complaint with the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia and has petitioned the House of Representatives for a legislative inquiry into the police’s conduct.
Inspector General Gregory Coleman later requested that Representative Foko turn himself in or face arrest. This “immediate invite” was linked to a live Facebook video where Foko allegedly threatened to set the Capitol Building ablaze following a fire at the House of Representatives.
Reports indicate that armed police officers were subsequently deployed at the home of Representative Foko.
As of April 2, 2026, the situation remains a significant point of political tension, with calls for independent investigations to ensure accountability and prevent further escalation.
Last month, In February and March 2026, prominent Liberian clergymen publicly urged President Joseph Boakai’s
government to halt the ongoing demolition of private homes and businesses in Monrovia and surrounding areas. These appeals highlight a growing humanitarian crisis characterized by mass displacement and emotional distress among affected citizens.
Bishop Nimely Donyen of the Independent Catholic Church of Liberia wrote a formal appeal to President Boakai in early February 2026, urging him to halt all demolitions conducted without compensation. He noted that the “weeping is too much” and that the level of homelessness resulting from these actions is “unprecedented in normal times”.
Also, Bishop Kortu Brown, former President of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), warned that the ongoing demolitions could permanently tarnish President Boakai’s legacy. He urged the President to engage directly with landowners and affected communities to prevent further chaos and mass displacement.
Rev. J. Luther Tarpeh, National Chairman of the ruling Unity Party, described the demolition of homes in the Saye Town community as “pathetic”. While he expressed support for the rule of law, he emphasized the need for compassion and immediate aid for those rendered homeless.
Significant demolition exercises have taken place in Saye Town (specifically 4th and 5th Streets), Upper Caldwell, and various suburbs of Monrovia.
Many of these demolitions reportedly stem from court rulings in long-standing land disputes rather than direct executive orders. However, the Ministry of Public Works has also been involved in clearing structures from designated “alleys” and public drainages to address flooding issues.
President Boakai has stated that while the government regrets the destruction of homes, it must address infrastructure and drainage issues to prevent seasonal flooding. The Ministry of Information has also clarified that some high-profile demolitions, such as the one at the CDC headquarters, were results of private property disputes and not government-led initiatives.
