The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has commenced a preliminary investigation into a purported memorandum circulating in the media, which alleges that Member of Parliament for Asokwa and Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, returned an amount of GH¢70,000 that had been allocated to her as an advance from the Majority Chief Whip.
According to a public notice issued by the OSP on Friday, September 4, the document in question is addressed to Frank Annoh-Dompreh, MP for Nsawam/Adoagyiri and Minority Chief Whip.
The funds in question were reportedly connected to the vetting process conducted by Parliament’s Appointments Committee for two ministerial nominees and three Supreme Court nominees.
The OSP said the purported memo suggests Madam Appiagyei cast doubt on the source of the alleged funds, with the document said to bear “the hallmarks of extortion of the nominees”.
Citing the constitutional significance of the Appointments Committee and the need to protect the integrity of the vetting process, the OSP said it has opened a preliminary probe into three areas: the authenticity of the document, the source of the alleged funds, and the intended purpose of those funds.
The anti-graft body confirmed it has formally invited Madam Appiagyei to appear before it to assist with the ongoing investigation.
“The OSP is actively investigating all extortion allegations involving Members of Parliament,” the statement added, signalling a broader inquiry beyond this single case.