Monrovia – The Clar Hope Foundation, established by former First Lady Clar Marie Weah, has formally responded to a communication from the Government of Liberia’s Asset Recovery Team announcing an investigation into the Foundation’s Marshall complex. The letter, the Foundation says, claims the probe is part of efforts to ensure public assets are not wrongfully used for private benefit.
According to the Foundation, the news was unexpected and deeply troubling. The former First Lady, whose humanitarian work predates and extends far beyond her years in public office, expressed dismay that her long-standing commitment to uplifting Liberian children and vulnerable communities is now being overshadowed by what she describes as unfounded insinuations. The statement notes that Mrs. Weah has consistently invested her own resources to support charitable work in Liberia, an act some critics, the Foundation says, refuse to accept in good faith.
The Foundation maintains that it has operated with “absolute integrity and professionalism,” arguing that the government’s decision to launch an investigation based on claims that state funds were used to develop its facilities is both illogical and unjust. It describes the move as an attempt to force the Foundation to provide evidence of wrongdoing that never occurred, while bypassing any internal government verification of the alleged misuse of public resources.
Calling the investigation “politically motivated,” the Foundation asserts that the action appears aimed at damaging Mrs. Weah’s reputation and discrediting an institution dedicated to serving Liberia’s most vulnerable. It adds that the formal citation of its management only reinforces what it views as a pattern of political hostility, from directives discouraging officials from attending Foundation events to punitive measures taken against supporters.
Despite describing the probe as disappointing, the Foundation says it is unsurprised, noting that it has long been aware of attempts to tarnish its image. It insists that the accusations will not withstand objective scrutiny.
In keeping with its stated principles of transparency and accountability, the Clar Hope Foundation says it will provide all documents required by law and will fully assert its legal rights throughout the process. Mrs. Weah, the statement continues, is prepared to vigorously defend her legacy and the integrity of her work, which includes numerous initiatives aimed at providing opportunity, dignity, and hope to disadvantaged Liberians.
The Foundation concludes by assuring donors, partners, beneficiaries, and the public that it remains steadfast in its mission. “We will not be deterred by forces of negativity and political darkness,” the statement reads, affirming its commitment to continue serving Liberia’s children and vulnerable populations.
