Published: November 28, 2025
Former First Lady Clar Marie Weah
MONROVIA — The Clar Hope Foundation, founded by former First Lady Clar Marie Weah, has condemned the Liberian government’s request for financial records related to the construction of its residential facilities, calling it a politically motivated attempt to damage its reputation. The statement, released Wednesday in Lower Margibi County, came less than 24 hours after the government’s Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force issued a formal notice summoning the Foundation to explain how the multimillion-dollar Marshall Project Complex was funded.
The Foundation said it was “taken aback” by the sudden demand, calling it an attack fueled by “forces of negativity and political darkness.” It emphasized that the project was funded through legitimate means and that the government’s allegations are a troubling attempt to tarnish years of philanthropic work. “Mrs. Weah’s life’s work in Liberia before, during, and after her time as First Lady has been rooted in a strong desire to uplift Liberian children, empower vulnerable communities, and give back meaningfully to the country she passionately considers her home,” the statement said. It also expressed that it was “disheartening” to see her humanitarian legacy overshadowed by “baseless insinuations” from those who “cannot fathom that a person would invest so much of her own resources to improve others’ lives.”
The Foundation stated it has always operated with integrity and in full compliance with the law. It questioned why the government would accuse it of misusing public funds before reviewing its own records, calling the move an attempt to shift the burden of proof for allegations that “never occurred.” “The Foundation categorically rejects this politically motivated action, which seems designed to tarnish Mrs. Weah’s hard-earned reputation and undermine the credibility of an organization dedicated to serving Liberia’s most vulnerable,” it said.
Mrs. Weah, through her office, vowed to defend her legacy and said she “will leave no stone unturned” in protecting her name, her work, and the integrity of the foundation. Her team also pointed to what it described as a pattern of political hostility since the institution opened last year, including alleged directives discouraging officials from attending Clar Hope Foundation events and punitive measures reportedly taken against those who did. The Foundation said that although the latest move is disappointing, it is not surprising, asserting that it has long been aware of efforts to discredit its work. It stated it remains confident that none of the allegations “can withstand scrutiny in any credible forum” and pledged to cooperate with the government while fully exercising its legal rights.
The statement assured donors, partners, and beneficiaries that the Clar Hope Foundation “will not be deterred by the forces of negativity and political darkness seeking to undermine our mission,” adding that its commitment to serving vulnerable children remains intact.
The escalating dispute occurs as the government ramps up its broader asset-recovery campaign, renewing scrutiny of the Clar Hope Foundation’s construction projects. Just days before the Foundation’s public statement, Criminal Court ‘A’ ordered the Building Material Center (BMC) to surrender all financial and construction records related to the Foundation. The subpoena duces tecum, signed by Resident Circuit Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, requires the company’s leadership and affiliates to appear on November 27 to submit the complete set of documents — including contracts, payment vouchers, receipts, bills of quantities, and all materials detailing transactions associated with the project.
The Task Force, chaired by former Solicitor General Cllr. Edwin K. Martin, argued in its petition that BMC holds vital records needed to “identify, investigate, and trace all of Liberia’s stolen and suspicious assets,” particularly those allegedly linked to the construction of the Clar Hope Foundation’s facilities. It said President Joseph N. Boakai revived the Task Force on March 5, 2025, granting it authority to investigate suspicious transactions across government and private sectors. The Foundation’s facilities, including its high-profile complex intended to serve orphaned girls, were cited among the projects requiring transparency regarding their funding and procurement processes.
Investigators state that the requested records are essential to determine if public funds, diverted resources, or other questionable financial channels have contributed to the construction. The court cautioned that BMC’s failure to comply could lead to legal penalties. A sheriff has been ordered to serve the subpoena and report on how the service was carried out.
These developments intensify the Boakai administration’s anti-corruption efforts, which have already scrutinized several former government agencies, contractors, and private entities more closely. However, the Clar Hope Foundation states that the government’s approach risks weaponizing accountability in ways that harm legitimate institutions. It argued that while oversight is essential, it should not be used as a tool for political retribution.
The Foundation stated it stays open to lawful inquiry and will “provide all documents required by law” while continuing its mission. It ended its statement with a promise: “We remain firm, resolute, and ready to defend our legacy of compassion, service, and integrity.”
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