The ceremony, held at the historic PHP Unification Park in Monrovia, was organized by the university’s Department of Public Administration (PADM) and brought together an array of government officials, academics, alumni, and students. The event was marked by colorful presentations, speeches, and tributes to public servants who have demonstrated excellence in leadership and national service.
Presenting the award on behalf of AMEZU’s President, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel F. Johnson, the Chairman of the Department of Public Administration, Mr. Melvin G. Quawah, praised Hon. Kpakio’s commitment to transparency, equity, and the rule of law.
“Hon. Kpakio has played a pivotal role in shaping and advancing Liberia’s land reform efforts,” Mr. Quawah said. “His vision and integrity have promoted fairness, environmental sustainability, and alignment with our national development agenda. Through his leadership, access to land information has improved, tenure security has strengthened, and public trust in the LLA has been reinforced.” In an emotional acceptance speech, Hon. Kpakio expressed deep gratitude for the recognition and dedicated the award to the staff and professionals of the Liberia Land Authority.
“It’s with profound humility and gratitude that I stand before you today,” he said. “I accept this honor not merely on my own behalf, but on behalf of the entire team at the Liberia Land Authority, a group of dedicated professionals who work each day to make land administration more transparent, equitable, and accessible to all Liberians.”
He emphasized that land governance is not simply a technical or bureaucratic issue, but a cornerstone of nation-building.
“Land, as we all know, is far more than a physical asset. It embodies identity, heritage, security, and opportunity,” Chairman Kpakio said. “Where unresolved land issues have fueled division and inequality, effective land governance is key to Liberia’s peace and progress.”
Chairman Kpakio also announced a personal contribution of $1,000 USD toward the PADM Department’s scholarship program, emphasizing his commitment to supporting the next generation of public servants.
“To the students gathered here today, the future of Liberia’s public sector, I urge you: lead with integrity, think boldly, and serve selflessly. The future of our institutions, our policies, and indeed our democracy, rests in your hands.”
Chairman Kpakio was honored alongside a distinguished group of public officials, legal practitioners, and educators. Other awardees included:
• His Honor Yussif D. Kaba, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia
• Cllr. Charlyne M. Brumskine, Managing Partner of CMB Law Group
• Hon. Mohammed M. Sheriff, Managing Director of the Liberia Electricity Corporation
The awardees were recognized for their respective contributions to legal reform, public administration, infrastructure development, and access to justice.
Today’s recognition underscores the growing national and academic acknowledgment of the critical role that land governance plays in Liberia’s development trajectory. The Liberia Land Authority, under Chairman Kpakio’s leadership, has spearheaded efforts to digitize land records, strengthen land rights for rural communities, and institutionalize transparency in land transactions.
AME Zion University, through its Public Administration Department, continues to serve as a key thought leader in governance and institutional development, producing graduates who are contributing meaningfully to public service across the country.
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Published by: Kweshie Tetteh
