Omanghana
Ghana’s Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei, has denied any involvement in an alleged GH¢70,000 payment connected to the vetting of ministerial and Supreme Court nominees.
Appiagyei also clarified that she has not received a formal invitation from the Office of the Special Prosecutor regarding the controversy. She nevertheless expressed her readiness to cooperate fully with the anti-corruption agency if officially summoned.
The controversy follows the circulation of a document dated September 2, 2026, which was purportedly written and signed by Appiagyei and addressed to Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh.
The alleged memorandum claimed that she was returning GH¢70,000 advanced to her by the Majority Chief Whip in connection with the Appointments Committee’s vetting of two ministerial nominees and three Supreme Court nominees. Its contents subsequently raised questions about the source and intended purpose of the money.
Responding through media interviews and a formal disclaimer, Appiagyei categorically denied writing, authorizing or sending the document. She described it as fabricated and part of an attempt to damage her reputation.
The Asokwa MP maintained that she had never received the GH¢70,000 mentioned in the purported memorandum or any other amount relating to the vetting process. She explained that because no money was given to her, there could have been no occasion for her to return such funds.
Addressing the signature appearing on the document, Appiagyei acknowledged that it resembled hers but warned that signatures could easily be scanned, copied and digitally manipulated.
The OSP has announced the commencement of preliminary investigations to determine whether the document is authentic, establish the origin and purpose of the alleged funds and examine possible extortion concerns surrounding parliamentary vetting.
Although the OSP publicly indicated that an invitation had been dispatched to Appiagyei, the MP said she had yet to receive it. She assured the public that she would honor any official invitation from the agency and assist its investigations.
Meanwhile, members of the Minority Caucus have also rejected the purported memorandum. Second Deputy Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib said neither side of Parliament had any record or knowledge of the alleged transaction or communication.
The OSP’s preliminary inquiry is expected to establish the circumstances behind the circulating document and determine whether further investigation is necessary.
Source: Omanghana
