By Foday Moriba Conteh
Sierra Leonean R&B artist, humanitarian and international cultural ambassador Neneh Yang widely known as Queennak has raised serious concerns over what she describes as an alarming attempt to illegally seize her Foundation’s land in Magbanamaty Village, 6 Mile, Koya Chiefdom, Western Area Rural District. She made the disclosure on Monday, 24th November 2025, during a visit to the village where tensions surrounding land ownership have escalated between residents and officials attached to the Ministry of Lands.
According to Queennak, she legally acquired 22 acres of land in 2013 to develop multiple community-focused projects under the Queennak Foundation. The land, she said, was intended for the establishment of a clinic, a school, a vocational skills training centre, a creative arts hub and a youth empowerment facility. The Foundation was officially launched in 2018 at the Bintumani Hotel, with senior Government officials from the Office of the President, Office of the First Lady, the Anti-Corruption Commission and other agencies in attendance.
She explained that after the launch, construction of essential structures including three residential buildings began before she travelled to the United States to further mobilize resources for the development projects.
However, while abroad, she said she received disturbing reports from community members alleging that individuals claiming to be acting on behalf of the Government had attempted to seize the land. According to her, the individuals vandalized structures, harassed workers and even removed 50 orphaned children who were residing in one of the buildings and receiving care under her Foundation's supervision.
Upon her unannounced return to Sierra Leone, Queennak said she visited the site and discovered occupants living in one of her buildings. The individuals allegedly informed her that officials from the Ministry of Lands and security personnel stationed in the area had rented the property to them.
She further explained that when she confronted the Ministry of Lands office in the community, she was informed that the Government had placed a restriction on all development activities in the area until February 2026, pending an official decision. Despite that, she expressed deep concern that some individuals, believed to be acting on instructions from certain officials, continued selling and developing plots of the same land.
“These people are taking advantage of the community,” she said. “If they can do this to me, they can do it to anyone. They were assigned to protect the land until a decision is made but instead they are selling it and granting access to people. This is a huge disadvantage to the community.”
She stressed that her intentions have always been to contribute to national development not to engage in conflict. Queennak confirmed that she has submitted all relevant documentation to the Ministry of Lands for verification but noted that she is yet to receive a substantive response.
She called on the President, civil society organizations, the Ministry of Lands and Sierra Leoneans both home and abroad to pay close attention to what she describes as a growing pattern of land grabbing affecting not only Magbanamaty Village but surrounding communities as well.
Despite the challenges, Queennak said development plans will not stop. Work has begun on a road project within the area and the Foundation is preparing to convert one of the buildings into a clinic to address urgent healthcare needs.
“We are ready to work with the community to build the school, the clinic, the arts centre; everything. The people here deserve development,” she emphasized, expressing determination to proceed peacefully while protecting the community’s interests.
Gibrilla Kargbo, Headman of Magbanamaty Village, expressed deep concern over the ongoing land conflict between residents and individuals claiming to represent the Ministry of Lands. He confirmed that confusion and tension have increased following directives reportedly issued by the Ministry that all land-related activities should halt until February 2026.
He stated, however, that despite that directive, some individuals continue to carry out construction and development work on the disputed land, leaving community members frustrated.
“As law-abiding citizens, we expect that everyone, including those claiming to be acting on behalf of the Government, should respect the orders given. The Ministry has stopped all activities, yet some people continue working. This is creating serious misunderstanding,” he said.
Gibrilla Kargbo said he has made repeated attempts to engage Ministry officials on the issue, particularly after residents complained about unauthorized entries onto their properties. He explained that the Deputy Minister of Lands recently visited the area and advised residents to remain calm and submit all authentic land documents for verification.
He called on the Government to intervene and restore order, emphasizing the community’s desire for peace.
Williams Nicol, Chairman of Magbanamaty Village, reaffirmed that the 22 acres of land in dispute were indeed given to Queennak in 2013 to support her charitable and development initiatives. He explained that the land was intended to host an orphanage, vocational training centre and related projects that have long benefited the community.
He said problems began in 2020 when individuals claiming to represent the Ministry of Lands appeared and declared the land to be Government property.
“These people came and told us the land belongs to the Government and that all development must stop,” Williams Nicol said. He noted that the community repeatedly sought clarification but received limited feedback. When Queennak eventually returned, she encountered strangers occupying her buildings, claiming they had been placed there by Ministry officials.
Williams Nicol stated that although the Ministry has reportedly ordered a pause on all land activities, some individuals have continued selling and developing plots, leaving residents feeling helpless.
“We are being told not to work but others are working. When community members question that they face threats,” he said.
Having lived in the community for 63 years, Williams Nicol affirmed that elders have long recognized the legitimacy of the land’s original ownership and its assignment for community development.
“All we want is clarity and justice. Let the authorities settle this matter so our community can move forward,” he urged.
Madam Aminata Sesay, a long-standing resident, said she had been caring for more than 50 orphaned children in one of the foundation’s buildings before officials began visiting the land and issuing warnings.
She said community members were shocked when individuals claiming to represent the Ministry of Lands began selling portions of the land and installing new occupants, despite directives that all activity should stop.
“The Government told us work should stop until February next year, but some people continue building. We are confused,” she said. “If government wants this land, they should tell us properly—not allow people to sell it behind closed doors.”
She appealed to authorities to protect families from displacement, stressing the emotional and financial toll the situation has created.
During a visit to the Ministry of Lands office in the area, officials declined to comment, stating that senior officers responsible for the region were not present. They promised to provide clarification later, but at press time, all efforts to obtain response proved unsuccessful.
https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/queennak-raises-alarm-over-alleged-land-grabbing-in-magbanamaty-village/
