By By: Staff Writer
Paynesville, Liberia – December 5, 2025 – Years of dispute over the administration of the Zinnah Hill Estate have come to an end following the formal handover of all recovered legal documents to the family of the late William Zinnah. The turnover was made by Anthony T. Cole, former administrator of the estate, which covers about 86 acres along the GSA Road in Paynesville.
During the ceremony, Cole extended appreciation to the President, the Chief Justice, and the Director of the Liberia National Police for the support he received while working to recover the estate’s documents. He said their intervention helped ensure that the intentions of the late property owner were upheld.
Cole presented several legal instruments, including the original Mother Deed, a cartographical map outlining property boundaries, Stanley Zeaclon’s 18-acre deed, and confirmations from the Liberia Land Authority and the probate court. The map details surrounding properties, showing 30 acres belonging to Eddie May Scarborough, 40 acres to Jason Howard, 17.2 acres across the street to Eva Baskin, 34 acres to King Gray Warren, and 86.5 acres to William Zinnah.
Cole explained that retrieving the documents was challenging and marked by hostility from some community members. He disclosed that the Liberia Land Authority received a payment of 1,500 US dollars for an investigative survey that was never carried out and said he has yet to receive a refund, though the issue remains with his lawyer. He also reported that one of his structures was burned down during tensions surrounding the case, an incident now before the Paynesville Magisterial Court.
Receiving the documents on behalf of the family were Memmah Zinnah, daughter of the late estate owner, and Momo K. Cooper Sr., his nephew. Cooper thanked Cole for his persistence in safeguarding their inheritance, saying that without his effort the family might have lost the property. He encouraged Cole to continue supporting them as they prepare to remove illegal occupants from their land.
Memmah Zinnah recalled that her father died frustrated after learning that portions of his property had been illegally sold by relatives. She said the prolonged dispute caused hardship and contributed to her current living difficulties. She expressed gratitude to Cole, noting that he was handing over the documents even though the family had not yet completed its obligations under their agreement with him.
Cole reminded the family that continued compliance with the law will protect their rights and urged them to avoid any form of violence or disruption as they pursue control of their land through legal processes.
Land disputes have long been common in Paynesville, especially in fast-growing areas like GSA Road. Many cases arise from unclear ownership records, overlapping claims, and informal sales, challenges that became widespread after Liberia’s civil conflicts. The Liberia Land Authority continues to record a high number of contested land cases in the area each year, often involving multiple claims on the same parcel.
With the documents finally in the possession of the rightful heirs, Cole concluded his role as administrator, signaling a new chapter for the Zinnah family as they move to secure and manage their estate.
