By By: Staff Writer
PAYNESVILLE, Liberia — Prominent Liberian land expert Anthony T. Cole has called on the Government of Ghana to ensure justice in the alleged mob killing of a young Liberian technician, as tensions continue to escalate online between Liberians and Ghanaians over the incident.
Cole made the call during a weekend press briefing held at his office in the Zina Hill Community along the GSA Road in Paynesville, where he condemned mob violence and urged Ghanaian authorities to ensure accountability for those responsible for the death of 26-year-old Liberian technician Austin Tengeeh.
His comments come amid a growing cyber exchange on social media platforms, where citizens of both countries have been trading accusations and emotional reactions following the tragic incident.
“Not everyone in Ghana is bad people. Ghana is a respectable nation and one of the powerful countries in West Africa, but I want to admonish the patriotic citizens of Ghana to desist from domestic violence and mob justice,” Cole said.
He further called on the Ghanaian Ambassador accredited to Liberia to intervene and encourage Ghanaian authorities to ensure that justice is served.
“We are eagerly awaiting the judicial results, and we want justice to prevail for Austin,” he added.
Background to Austin Tengeeh’s Death
Reports indicate that Austin Tengeeh, a 26-year-old Liberian technician, was allegedly beaten to death in Ghana after being accused of assaulting a woman—an allegation that remains contested.
According to accounts circulating online and among Liberian communities, the young technician was reportedly attacked by a group that included a security guard and other individuals. The mob reportedly assaulted him severely, leading to his death.
The incident quickly sparked outrage among Liberians both at home and in the diaspora, many of whom have taken to social media demanding justice and stronger diplomatic engagement from authorities.
Meanwhile, some Ghanaian social media users have defended their country while urging restraint and patience for the outcome of ongoing investigations. The heated exchanges have since evolved into a broader cyber confrontation between citizens of the two West African nations, raising concerns among observers about potential diplomatic tension.
Beyond the international concern, Cole used the press briefing to caution Liberians about the growing trend of illegal land sales and fraudulent property transactions across the country.
“Before you buy land, learn the bio-security of the land and carry on due diligence. A lot of demolition exercises are going on around the country because of illegal land sales,” Cole told reporters.
According to him, many citizens are losing their properties because they fail to conduct proper verification before purchasing land.
“Staying on a property for more than 40 years does not make you the owner. It is not how long you stay there; it is how well you purchased the property according to our property laws,” Cole warned.
Furthermore: Support for Government’s Putu Mountain Initiative
Cole also addressed national development issues, commending President Joseph Boakai for appointing Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung to spearhead negotiations regarding the Putu Mountain concession project in Grand Gedeh County.
He described the move as a strategic decision that could stimulate development and create employment opportunities for citizens in the southeastern region.
“The president made a wise decision by appointing the vice president to spearhead that project. I see development coming to Grand Gedeh County and those that are jobless will have jobs,” Cole said.
However, he urged lawmakers to ensure that concession agreements involving natural resources prioritize the interests of local citizens.
“The lawmakers’ statutory function is to enact laws in the interest of the citizens, so they must push for the interest of the people and not their own interest,” the land expert maintained.
Call for Law, Peace and Accountability
Cole concluded the briefing by urging citizens to respect the rule of law both domestically and internationally, warning that misinformation and lawlessness could undermine national stability.
“The art of ‘they say’ can destroy a whole nation. When you go to court, go with clean hands and with evidence, not lies,” Cole asserted.
He also extended Ramadan greetings to Liberia’s Muslim community, wishing them a peaceful and spiritually rewarding observance of the holy month while calling for unity among citizens during challenging times.
