MONROVIA, Liberia – The Clar Hope Foundation (CHF), founded by former First Lady Clar Marie Weah, has strongly rejected what it calls “politically motivated” allegations after Criminal Court “A” ordered the Building Material Center (BMC) to turn over documents related to the construction of the Foundation’s Marshall complex.
The subpoena, issued Wednesday, November 26, by Resident Circuit Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, followed a petition from the Government’s Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force, which is investigating whether public funds were allegedly used in acquiring or developing the Clar Hope Foundation’s facilities.
Court Orders BMC to Hand Over Construction Records
In a writ of subpoena duces tecum, Criminal Court “A” directed the Management of BMC to produce a range of records connected to the Clar Hope Foundation project.
According to court documents, the Task Force is seeking:
- The construction contract for the Clar Hope Foundation complex;
- Payment vouchers, checks and receipts;
- Bills of quantities; and
- Any other documents reflecting financial transactions related to the project.
Judge Willie granted the request and ordered that the subpoena be served on BMC through its General Manager, Chief Executive Officer, shareholders, deputies and all persons acting under its authority.
Court records show that Bailiff Phillip A. Mitchell served the writ on November 25, 2025, and that BMC’s General Manager, Mohamad Mortada, signed for and received the subpoena the same day.
Under the order, BMC was required to appear before Criminal Court “A” on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. and present the requested materials. The court warned that failure to comply could result in further legal action.
The move comes as part of a wider push by the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force—re‑established this year under Executive Order No. 145 by President Joseph N. Boakai—to trace and reclaim assets suspected to have been misappropriated from the state.
Clar Hope Foundation: “We Have Operated With Integrity and Professionalism”
In a statement issued Wednesday, November 26, and signed by Manager Jackson P. Gbamie, the Clar Hope Foundation said it had received a communication from the Asset Recovery Team announcing the investigation into the acquisition of its Marshall complex.
The Foundation said the former First Lady and CHF management were “taken aback” by the development.
“Mrs. Weah’s life’s work in Liberia before, during, and after her service as First Lady has been grounded in a deep desire to uplift Liberian children, empower vulnerable communities, and give back meaningfully to the country she firmly considers her home,” the statement said. “It is disheartening that her genuine commitment and years of humanitarian service are now being clouded by baseless insinuations simply because some cannot conceive that a person would invest so much of her own resources to improve the lives of others.”
CHF insisted it has “operated with absolute integrity, professionalism, and strict adherence to the law.”
“The Foundation therefore finds it troubling that the Government of Liberia would initiate an investigation based on unsubstantiated claims that ‘GOL funds were used to acquire and develop’ the Foundation’s properties—without first examining the alleged source of those funds, which would naturally be the Government itself,” the statement continued. “Instead, the Foundation is being asked to provide evidence for acts that never occurred, effectively inviting it to fabricate wrongdoing against its own institution.”
Foundation Alleges Political Motive and Intimidation
The Clar Hope Foundation “categorically rejects” what it characterizes as a politically driven move aimed at tarnishing Mrs. Weah’s reputation.
“The Foundation categorically rejects this politically motivated action, which appears designed to malign the hard‑earned reputation of Mrs. Weah and undermine the credibility of an organization dedicated to serving Liberia’s most vulnerable,” it said.
CHF also claimed that the investigation fits into a pattern of pressure and attempted marginalization it has faced since opening its doors.
“The formal citing of the Foundation’s management only confirms the political undercurrents and orchestrated attempts at intimidation that the Foundation has endured since opening its doors last year—from directives discouraging officials from attending its functions to punitive actions taken against those who showed support,” the statement alleged.
“Therefore, while disappointing, the launch of this investigation comes as no surprise,” it added. “The Foundation is fully aware of the forces working to tarnish its image. Yet, these allegations cannot withstand scrutiny in any credible forum.”
Pledges Cooperation, Vows to Defend Reputation
Despite its strong language, the Clar Hope Foundation says it will comply with legal requirements.
“Consistent with our longstanding practice of transparency and accountability, the Clar Hope Foundation will make all relevant documents available as required by law and will fully exercise its legal rights throughout this process,” the organization stated.
Mrs. Weah, through the statement, vowed to vigorously defend her name and the Foundation’s work.
“Mrs. Weah assures the public that she will leave no stone unturned in defending her name, her legacy, and the integrity of her work,” the release said, pointing to “numerous charitable initiatives that have provided hope, dignity, and opportunity to children, young women, and disadvantaged communities across Liberia.”
The Foundation further reassured donors, partners and beneficiaries that its mission remains unchanged.
“We will not be deterred by the forces of negativity and political darkness seeking to undermine our mission,” CHF said. “Our commitment to providing hope and opportunity to destitute Liberian children remains unwavering. The Clar Hope Foundation stands firm, resolute, and ready to defend its legacy of compassion, service, and integrity.”
High‑Profile Test of Asset Recovery Drive
The subpoena to BMC and the Foundation’s strong pushback set the stage for a high‑profile test of the Boakai administration’s asset‑recovery effort, pitting the government’s drive to scrutinize past projects against the claims of a prominent charitable institution linked to the previous First Family.
While the Task Force maintains that it is simply following its mandate to ensure public resources are not converted to private use, the Clar Hope Foundation insists the investigation is politically motivated and that no government funds were used in the acquisition or development of its property.
As BMC prepares to present records to Criminal Court “A,” and as CHF readies its own documentation and legal response, the case is expected to draw intense public attention—both for what it may reveal about the funding of the Marshall complex and for what it signals about how far the new administration is prepared to go in revisiting high‑value projects associated with former officials.
