It is not even a year since her appointment, but Bong County Land Administrator, Amelia D. Cassell has already made significant strides in changing the narratives from what was once considered a continuous land dispute in most parts of the county, to an easy-to-handle matter.
She has been working tirelessly to resolve land disputes and implement reforms that directly benefit local communities. Through her leadership, Cassell has played a pivotal role in restoring dignity to communities whose customary land ownership rights were once mired in ambiguity.
Cassell’s most notable achievement thus far has been her efforts to resolve longstanding land disputes through investigative surveys across Bong County. She has been instrumental in working with local communities to ensure the legal recognition of land rights, especially for the often-overlooked customary landowners. “I am committed to ensuring that every individual, no matter their status or background, has a rightful place in the land they occupy,” Cassell said during a recent interview. “Land ownership is a fundamental right, and I will do everything in my power to make sure that everyone gets what they deserve—no matter who is involved.”
Cassell’s leadership has been particularly impactful in the Garmu, Wain, and Dan Clans, where she worked alongside the Land Use Management and Administration (LMA) and the Development Education Network-Liberia (DEN-L) to formalize land deeds. These deeds, which offer legal recognition to communities over their customary land, mark a substantial milestone in empowering local residents. For many in these rural areas, having legal documentation of land ownership had seemed like an unattainable dream. Cassell’s work has changed that, creating an unprecedented level of security for families who now know their land is officially recognized by the government.
A Commitment to Impartiality and Integrity
Cassell is not only known for her achievements but also for her firm commitment to impartiality. In a sector where land disputes often involve powerful individuals and sometimes complex political interests, Cassell has promised to remain neutral. “I will not allow my personal feelings or relationships to interfere with my work,” she emphasized. “The government of President Joseph N. Boakai has a clear agenda and I will do my part to ensure that Bong County is aligned with that vision.”
Her stance has earned her respect from community members and colleagues alike. “She is doing what many of us thought was impossible. She is making sure the law is applied equally, no matter who you are,” said Jonah Yarkpawolo, a community elder in the Wain Clan. “There were times when land disputes would turn into real fights, with people threatening each other. But now, we have confidence that everything will be settled in a fair way. Miss Cassell has brought peace back to our land.”
Challenges Faced by the Land Administration Office
Despite her successes, Cassell’s office remains under-resourced; this has posed major challenges to her work. “We are making progress, but we need more resources to do our job effectively. Our office lacks basic infrastructure and equipment. We don’t even have a functional printer, and the administrator doesn’t have a computer,” Cassell explained, adding that these limitations slow down administrative processes and hinder their ability to meet the demands of the communities.
The office also struggles with mobility, as it currently has only a single motorcycle. This has made it difficult for Cassell and her team to visit remote areas where disputes are often most prevalent. “I have to be on the road a lot, and it’s frustrating that we don’t have a vehicle or enough motorbikes to make those visits. There are areas in Bong County that are difficult to reach, and without proper mobility, it’s impossible to handle all the cases that come up,” she said.
Cassell’s team is also stretched thin, with many staff members serving as volunteers without pay for over three years. She highlighted that while volunteers have played an essential role in supporting her work, there is a growing need for these individuals to receive formal recognition and compensation for their contributions. “Our volunteers are dedicated, but they are burning out. They have been doing this work for years without any formal support,” Cassell said. “If we want to see real, sustained progress, we must invest in our people. We need more staff, and we need better training.”
Praise from the Community
Cassell’s efforts to restore dignity to the customary landowners of Bong County have not gone unnoticed. Many community members have praised her for providing much-needed transparency and fairness in land administration. In the past, land disputes often led to violence or prolonged tension. However under Cassell’s leadership, the situation has improved significantly. “She has brought back our dignity,” said Korpo Flomo, a resident of the Garmu Clan. “Before she came, many of us were afraid to speak out because we didn’t know who we could trust. But now, we feel like our voices matter. Our land is safe, and we know that it belongs to us.”
Despite the challenges she faces, Amelia D. Cassell remains determined to continue her work in Bong County, committed to the principles of fairness, integrity, and accountability. “I am here to serve the people of Bong County, and I will not rest until we have a land system that works for everyone,” she said. “I will continue to work with the government and all stakeholders to make sure that land rights are respected and that our communities thrive.”
