Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has declined to engage criticism from singer and activist Miatta Fahnbulleh, who recently argued that Sirleaf’s greatest political legacy was helping pave the way for former President George Manneh Weah to lead Liberia.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday after officially opening the National Conference on Women’s Financial Inclusion at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Sirleaf brushed aside the allegation with a brief response.
“Go tell her I na get time for her o,” the former president said.
Sirleaf offered no further comment on the issue, despite growing public debate following Fahnbulleh’s remarks during an interview with Ghanaian broadcaster and YouTuber Kafui Dey.
During the interview, Fahnbulleh described Sirleaf’s support for Weah as a defining moment in Liberia’s political history, arguing that the former president effectively positioned him as her successor ahead of the 2017 presidential election.
“Her lasting legacy will be that she unleashed George Weah on us. That’s the legacy I give to Mrs. Sirleaf,” Fahnbulleh said.
She claimed Sirleaf did more than remain neutral during the election, alleging that she publicly backed Weah despite concerns about his preparedness for national leadership.
Fahnbulleh also criticized Weah’s performance in office, saying his celebrated football career did not translate into effective governance.
“He’s a fantastic football player, but football players should stick to their professions,” she said, comparing Weah to Ghanaian football legend Abedi Pelé and arguing that sporting success alone does not qualify someone to lead a nation.
She described Weah’s presidency as unsuccessful, claiming he showed little interest in governing and lacked the capacity to manage the responsibilities of the office.
The comments have revived long-standing debate surrounding the 2017 election, which marked Liberia’s first peaceful democratic transfer of power between two elected presidents in more than seven decades. Although Sirleaf publicly declared neutrality during the race, her strained relationship with then-Vice President Joseph Boakai—the Unity Party candidate defeated by Weah—led to persistent claims from some within the party that she quietly favored Weah.
In the same interview, Fahnbulleh also repeated her longstanding criticism of former President Charles Taylor, holding him responsible for the destruction caused during Liberia’s civil conflict.
While avoiding the controversy, Sirleaf instead used Wednesday’s event to emphasize what she believes is essential for Liberia’s development.
“Discipline must come from the top right down to everybody else,” she said. “We must do things that are respectable if we want to be respected.”
The exchange quickly generated reactions across Liberia’s political landscape.
Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation Managing Director Mohammed Ali defended Fahnbulleh against online criticism, while Deputy Information Minister Daniel O. Sando publicly endorsed her comments, saying he agreed with her assessment.
On the other hand, former presidential aide Sekou Kalasco Damaro accused Fahnbulleh and others of promoting the idea that Liberia’s presidency should be reserved for a political elite. He argued that Weah’s background as a footballer and former slum resident made him relatable to many ordinary Liberians, who overwhelmingly supported his election.
CDC Executive Keff Hassan also dismissed Fahnbulleh’s criticism, alleging that it was driven by personal grievances. However, he did not provide evidence to support the claim, and Fahnbulleh has not publicly responded to the allegation.
As of Wednesday, former President Weah had not commented on Fahnbulleh’s remarks, while Sirleaf’s only public response remains her brief statement to reporters.
