The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has commenced preliminary investigations into allegations surrounding GH¢70,000 reportedly allocated in connection with the vetting of ministerial and Supreme Court nominees by Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
The probe follows a memorandum circulating on social media, purportedly authored by the Deputy Minority Leader and MP for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei.
The document, allegedly addressed to the Minority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, claimed that Mrs. Appiagyei returned GH¢70,000 given to her as an advance from the Majority Chief Whip.
According to the memo, the money was linked to the vetting of two ministerial nominees and three Supreme Court nominees.
In a public notice issued on September 4, the OSP said it has begun investigating the authenticity of the document, the source of the alleged funds and the purpose for which the money was allegedly provided.
The Office noted that the content of the purported memorandum raises concerns about the source of the money and possible extortion of the nominees.
“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 considered it necessary to investigate the matter.
The OSP disclosed that it has invited Mrs. Appiagyei to assist with the preliminary investigation, adding that it is probing all allegations of extortion involving Members of Parliament.
Meanwhile, Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has dismissed claims that the Asokwa MP returned the alleged GH¢70,000.
Speaking to Citi News, Mr. Ahmed described the letter circulating online as fake, stating that Mrs. Appiagyei herself confirmed she had no knowledge of its origin.
“She has confirmed that she has no idea where the letter emanated from or who authored it,” he said.
The purported letter had claimed that Mrs. Appiagyei returned the money because she did not know its source and did not want to personally benefit from the vetting of government officials and Supreme Court nominees. It also referenced the Minority’s decision not to participate in the vetting of three Supreme Court nominees.
Mr. Ahmed said checks conducted on the Majority side also indicated that no such letter or payment originated from them.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme and Jacob Aggrey