Clar Hope Foundation Rejectes Criminal Court “A” Decision, Files Appeal to Supreme Court
Abraham Sylvester Panto 
MONROVIA, LIBERIA: The Clar Hope Foundation has formally rejected the ruling of Criminal Court “A” in Monrovia, which denied its Motion to Quash a Subpoena Duces Tecum and ordered the immediate production of extensive financial and administrative records relating to the funding and construction of its multipurpose complex in Marshall, Margibi County.
The court decision taken February 24, 2026, prompted the foundation to file an appeal before the Supreme Court while facing a March 2, 2026 compliance deadline backed by a contempt warning.
In its decision, Criminal Court “A,” presided over by Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, upheld the subpoena issued at the request of the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force, concluding that the Task Force operates within its statutory authority to investigate matters connected to public assets and financial accountability, even in the absence of formal criminal charges.
The ruling rejected the foundation’s argument that the investigative body lacked jurisdiction, thereby compelling disclosure of the requested documents within the stipulated timeframe.
Responding through a signed statement issued Tuesday by its General Manager, Jackson Paye Gbamie, the foundation stated that it “respectfully disagrees with the ruling” and has instructed its legal team to pursue appellate review, asserting that the challenge is grounded in constitutional interpretation rather than resistance to lawful scrutiny.
The statement emphasized that “this appeal is not about hiding anything,” but about ensuring that the Constitution of Liberia is upheld and that government authority is exercised within defined legal limits.
The foundation maintained that its establishment and operations are rooted in humanitarian service, noting that “around the world, First Ladies engage in social and humanitarian work for the benefit of their countries,” and asserting that its programs have consistently targeted vulnerable communities, children, and families in furtherance of national development. It further declared that it “has acted in good faith and in accordance with the law” and therefore “has nothing to hide.”
Court records indicate that the subpoena specifically requires disclosure of documentation concerning the financial sources, contractual arrangements, and administrative processes associated with the Marshall multipurpose complex, an initiative that has drawn public attention amid the broader mandate of the Assets Recovery and Property Retrieval Task Force.
Judge Willie cautioned that failure to comply with the production order by the March 2, 2026 deadline could trigger contempt proceedings, thereby increasing the legal consequences of noncompliance.
Addressing public perception, the foundation’s statement observed that numerous public figures, including current and former First Ladies, have established charitable institutions to advance social causes, cautioning that “the mere existence of such a foundation should not automatically create suspicion or a presumption of misuse of public funds.”
The statement further asserted that “service to country must not be mistaken for wrongdoing,” framing the dispute as one centered on constitutional balance rather than evasion.
With the appeal now before the Supreme Court, the Clar Hope Foundation has indicated that it will “see this process through, not out of defiance, but out of respect for the rule of law,” while affirming its readiness to comply with any lawful directive ultimately affirmed by the judiciary and reiterating its commitment to continue its humanitarian activities with what it described as integrity, transparency, and unwavering dedication to the Liberian people.
