The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning is planning a new system that will give every landowner in Sierra Leone an official title certificate. Cabinet has already approved the idea. Once Parliament passes it into law, people across the country will have to register their land and get the certificate to prove they own it.
Minister Dr. Turad Senesi shared the news at the Government Weekly Press Conference at Miatta Civic Centre on Tuesday, 8 September 2026.
He said the certificates will bring real clarity and security to land ownership for the first time. Without one, ownership will not be fully recognised under the law.
The Minister pointed out that proper documents will help landowners, especially those with big farms or investment plans, use their land as collateral to borrow more money from banks.
He also said the system should cut down on the endless land disputes and grabbing that have troubled many communities.
“Land grabbing will soon be a thing of the past in Sierra Leone. The title certificate will be deployed systematically to ensure clarity in land ownership,” Minister Senesi said.
He also reminded people that they must get a building permit before they start any construction. The good news is that people can now apply for and receive these permits online.
The Minister explained that a permit does more than just give legal go-ahead — the Ministry also gives advice on proper building standards and the right way to put up structures.
He urged everyone to use the digital system and avoid starting work without the papers.
Civil society activist William Sao Lamin praised the Minister for the positive changes he has brought to the Ministry.
He said things are now more organised and efficient, and he welcomed the new bank inside the Ministry that makes payments and services easier.
This planned title certificate system forms part of the bigger land reforms already underway in the country, including work by the National Land Commission and the World Bank-supported Sierra Leone Land Administration Project. Those efforts have already seen pilot boundary exercises and customary land registration in places like Bombali and Port Loko districts.
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