The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has launched a preliminary investigation into allegations surrounding a purported GH¢70,000 payment linked to Parliament’s Appointments Committee vetting process.
The investigation follows a document circulating in the media, purportedly written by the Deputy Minority Leader and Asokwa MP, Patricia Appiagyei, in which she allegedly returned GH¢70,000 said to have been allocated to her as an advance.
The purported memorandum was addressed to the Minority Chief Whip and Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP, Frank Annoh-Dompreh.
According to the OSP, the money was allegedly connected to the vetting of two nominees for ministerial positions and three nominees to the Supreme Court.
In a statement issued on Friday, September 4, the anti-corruption agency said it was examining the authenticity of the document, the source of the alleged funds and the purpose for which they were allegedly given.
The OSP said the contents of the document raised serious concerns, particularly because it allegedly suggested uncertainty over the source of the money and circumstances surrounding its distribution.
“Given the constitutional importance of the Appointments Committee of Parliament and the need to safeguard the integrity of the vetting process,” the OSP said it had decided to investigate the matter.
The office further noted that the document allegedly raised concerns that the money could have been connected to the “extortion of the nominees.”
As part of the preliminary investigation, the OSP has invited Patricia Appiagyei to appear before the office and assist with its inquiries.
The OSP stressed that the investigation is not limited to this particular allegation, stating that it is “actively investigating all extortion allegations involving Members of Parliament.”
The case follows public attention surrounding the circulating memorandum in which Appiagyei reportedly questioned the source of the GH¢70,000 before returning the money.
