January 20, 2026: Monrovia, Liberia — A fresh political storm is unfolding following a subpoena issued by Criminal Court “A” against the Clar Hope Foundation, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from former Montserrado County District #8 Representative Acarous M. Gray, who describes the action as politically motivated and dangerous for Liberia’s democratic stability.
In a strongly worded statement posted on his official Facebook page, Gray questioned the intent of the Boakai administration, warning that what he termed a “deadly political witch hunt” and a “calamity of bitterness” now looms over the country. He raised concerns over whether the Clar Hope Foundation could be seized and transferred to interests linked to the President’s family, framing the court action as part of a broader campaign of political retribution.
Gray’s remarks came shortly after Criminal Court “A,” sitting at the Temple of Justice, issued a Writ of Subpoena Duces Tecum compelling the management of the Clar Hope Foundation to produce comprehensive financial records related to its construction activities. The order, signed on January 15, 2026, by Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, instructs the foundation’s General Manager, Jackson P. Gbamie, along with his deputies, to appear before the court on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
According to the subpoena, the foundation is required to submit documentation detailing all funds received from individuals, institutions, and government entities. These records must include donor identities, contribution amounts, and relevant contact information. The Sheriff of Montserrado County has been mandated to serve the writ and report back to the court, with a warning that failure to comply could lead to sanctions, including contempt proceedings.
The court action stems from a petition filed by Cllr. Edwin K. Martin, Chairman of the Assets and Property Retrieval Task Force (APRTF), a government body charged with tracing, investigating, and recovering allegedly stolen or suspicious public assets within and outside Liberia.
This is not the first legal move connected to the Clar Hope Foundation. On November 21, 2025, Criminal Court “A” issued a similar subpoena against the Building Materials Center (BMC), ordering its management and shareholders to present construction contracts, payment vouchers, receipts, and bills of quantity linked to projects undertaken for the foundation.
Legal experts note that a Writ of Subpoena Duces Tecum is a standard judicial instrument compelling the production of documents relevant to a legal inquiry. However, political observers argue that the timing and scope of the subpoenas have intensified suspicions of selective enforcement and political targeting under the current administration.
Supporters of the government contend that the action reflects a renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and the recovery of misused public resources. Critics, however, warn that the perception of politicized justice could undermine public confidence in state institutions and deepen national divisions.
As the court date approaches, the Clar Hope Foundation’s response—and the government’s next steps—are expected to further shape an already charged political debate over accountability, power, and the rule of law in Liberia.
