By: Staff Writer
DN News has learned of an ongoing investigation into former First Lady Clar Marie Weah regarding the ownership and funding of the City of Hope project in Marshall, Margibi County.
The investigation is reportedly being led by the Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (ARPRT) and focuses on allegations that public funds may have been diverted toward the construction of the multi-purpose facility run by the Clar Hope Foundation.
The center is being used as a home for orphans and underprivileged girls. They are given free Eduction and care by the Clar Hope Foundation.
Sources say the probe is part of a broader effort to uncover and retrieve assets allegedly misused by officials of the previous administration. When contacted, ARPRT’s head of communications, Joseph Daniel, declined to comment on the matter.
A source close to the former First Lady also disclosed that agents believed to be acting on behalf of current First Lady Kiatuma Boakai recently visited the City of Hope compound and requested the handover of vehicles, including one reportedly purchased by Timothy Weah for his mother.
“Do you know the First Lady sent people here to inspect the place and even told the former First Lady to turn over the vehicle? That vehicle was bought by Timothy for his mother, but they say they want it,” the source claimed.
In response to the growing scrutiny, Madam Clar Weah publicly denied the use of any government funds in the project while addressing guests at the first graduation ceremony of the City of Hope Academy.
“Not a cent of government money is in this place. If anyone has a question mark about what we’re doing at the Clar Hope Foundation, they can come to me. And if they can prove I took money from government, I’ll have no problem—because there is not one cent of government money here,” she stated. “The former Finance Minister Samuel Tweah knows, Senator McGill knows, and even my husband George knows.”
Senator Nathaniel McGill, now Chairman of the CDC Legislative Caucus and former Minister of State, strongly defended the former First Lady, recalling her firm stance during his time in government.
“Quote me: McGill says—even if I’m CDC—that there is no government money in this project. If you think otherwise, bring the evidence. That’s your business,” he said. “When I was Minister of State, Madam Weah made it clear—no government money would be used—and today, we see the wisdom in that.”
Representative Musa Bility of Nimba County added his voice, praising Madam Weah’s legacy as “unmatched in the history of Liberian First Ladies,” and announced a donation of a brand-new pickup vehicle to support the Clar Hope Foundation.
Efforts to get a comment from the Office of the Current First Lady did not materialize at the time of this report.
