Emerging reports indicate that the Government of Liberia may be preparing to take control of the City of Hope project founded by former First Lady Clar M. Weah. Sources say the Assets Recovery Taskforce is close to completing an inquiry that could lead to the facility being designated as state property rather than a privately owned venture. According to investigators, the donations and materials used to build the City of Hope were contributed while Mrs. Weah served as First Lady, not as an ordinary citizen.
The taskforce argues that resources obtained through the influence of public office should not be converted into personal assets. A source familiar with the investigation described the situation as a possible misuse of public position. “Had these donations been received before she became First Lady or after leaving office, there would be no concern. But public office cannot be used to acquire property under the pretense of charity,” the source explained, noting that redirecting such contributions for personal benefit is considered a serious violation under Liberian law.
Former Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Nathaniel McGill has rejected the allegations, insisting that the City of Hope never received funding from the national budget. However, he did not address questions about why the project—initially portrayed as a national humanitarian effort—later became associated with the former First Lady’s personal foundation. The Assets Recovery Taskforce has yet to issue an official statement, but a formal announcement is expected once the investigation concludes.
