Former Montserrado County District #3 lawmaker and proprietor of the David G. Barshell Senior School System, Hon. Ceebee Barshell, has refuted allegations of child abandonment made by Madam Zoe Ice Henries, dismissing her claims as lies and political maneuvering.
In a statement issued over the weekend, Barshell’s office denounced Henries’ accusations, which were widely circulated through media outlets and social media. Henries alleged that Barshell had failed to support his son, a claim the former lawmaker’s office vehemently denied.
Barshell’s office labeled Henries a “liar,” “political mercenary,” and “hustler,” asserting that her accusations were an attempt to damage his reputation. The dispute stems from financial and child support disagreements, with Henries claiming that Barshell ignored a court order for child support and neglected his financial obligations toward their children, Matue (24) and Godwin (11).
However, Barshell’s office countered that Henries was attempting to exploit him financially, alleging that she requested funds for personal business expenses and her son’s trip to the Arsenal Football Academy in France. When Barshell declined additional financial requests, Henries allegedly resorted to public threats and defamatory remarks.
According to Barshell’s office, he has consistently fulfilled his financial responsibilities, including paying for school fees and other necessary expenses. As evidence, a receipt dated February 7, 2025, was presented to show compliance with a court-mandated child support deposit. The office stressed that all payments were documented, and there was no basis for further legal action against Barshell.
The statement also questioned Henries’ motives, citing records indicating that rent had already been paid despite her claims of unpaid rent. It further raised doubts about her credibility, recalling their first meeting in Ghana in 1995 and suggesting a pattern of behavior aimed at financial gain.
Barshell’s office accused Henries of using the situation for political leverage and to create public embarrassment for him and his family. Despite her persistent public accusations, they maintained that the evidence supports Barshell’s adherence to his parental and financial responsibilities.
