The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has commenced a preliminary investigation into a purported memorandum alleging that GH¢70,000 was allocated to a Member of Parliament in connection with recent parliamentary vetting.
The investigation follows the circulation of a document attributed to Patricia Appiagyei, the Member of Parliament for Asokwa and Deputy Minority Leader, and addressed to Frank Annoh Dompreh, the Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri and Minority Chief Whip.
According to the OSP, the document alleges that Honourable Appiagyei returned GH¢70,000 that had purportedly been allocated to her as an advance from the Majority Chief Whip. The alleged payment is said to have been connected to the vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee of two ministerial nominees and three nominees to the Supreme Court.
The anti-corruption agency explained that the matter warranted preliminary scrutiny because of the constitutional importance of the Appointments Committee and the need to protect the credibility of its vetting processes.
The OSP indicated that the purported memorandum also raised questions about the source of the alleged funds and suggested possible links between the money and the treatment of nominees appearing before the committee. It noted that the contents of the document carried allegations that could have serious implications for the integrity of parliamentary vetting if proven to be authentic.
The investigation will therefore establish whether the memorandum is genuine and determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged financial transaction. Investigators will also examine the source of the purported GH¢70,000 and establish the purpose for which the money was allegedly provided.
The OSP’s action comes amid renewed public debate over the conduct of parliamentary vetting and allegations concerning financial inducements involving members of Parliament. By opening the preliminary inquiry, the office seeks to establish the facts surrounding the document before drawing conclusions about the allegations contained in it.
The investigation will also determine whether the claims made in the purported memorandum have any factual basis and whether any conduct disclosed by the document could warrant further action. The OSP stressed that its intervention forms part of its broader efforts to examine allegations of extortion involving Members of Parliament.
It indicated that such allegations are being actively investigated as part of its mandate to address suspected corruption and related offences. The office’s latest action places the disputed document under formal scrutiny while leaving the authenticity of its contents to be established through the preliminary investigation.
OSP Invites Appiagyei Over Alleged Parliamentary Vetting Funds
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has invited Patricia Appiagyei to assist with investigations into a purported memorandum concerning GH¢70,000 allegedly linked to the work of Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
Honourable Appiagyei, the Member of Parliament for Asokwa and Deputy Minority Leader, has been asked to appear before the OSP as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the document currently circulating in the media. The invitation forms part of a preliminary investigation launched by the anti corruption agency into allegations contained in the purported memorandum.
The OSP’s decision to invite Honourable Appiagyei is intended to assist investigators in establishing the circumstances surrounding the document and the allegations attributed to her. Investigators will also examine the claims about the source of the funds and the purpose for which the alleged amount was provided.
The development comes against the backdrop of the constitutional role of the Appointments Committee in scrutinising presidential nominees before their approval by Parliament. The OSP noted that safeguarding the integrity of that process was an important consideration in deciding to investigate the matter.
Particular attention will be given to the contents of the purported memorandum, which allegedly casts doubt on the origin of the money and refers to conduct that could amount to extortion of nominees. The investigation will seek to establish whether those claims accurately represent events surrounding the vetting exercise or whether the document does not reflect the circumstances it purports to describe.
The OSP has not indicated any final finding against Honourable Appiagyei or any other person in relation to the allegations, with the matter currently at the preliminary investigation stage. The office has, however, disclosed that it is actively investigating all allegations of extortion involving Members of Parliament.
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