The Office of the Special Prosecutor has commenced preliminary investigations into an alleged GH¢70,000 payment reportedly linked to the vetting of ministerial and Supreme Court nominees by Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
The investigation concerns a purported memorandum attributed to Asokwa MP and Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, and addressed to Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh .
In the document, Mrs Appiagyei allegedly stated that she had returned GH¢70,000 presented to her as an advance from the Majority Chief Whip in connection with the Appointments Committee’s vetting activities .
The OSP said in a statement issued on Friday, September 4, that the contents of the document raised questions about the source and purpose of the alleged funds.
“Taking into consideration the content of the document to the effect that Hon. Patricia Appiagyei purportedly cast doubt on the source of the alleged funds and that it had the hallmarks of extortion of the nominees, the OSP has commenced a preliminary investigation into the veracity of the document, the source of the alleged funds, and the purpose of the alleged funds,” the statement read.
As part of the preliminary investigation, the OSP has invited Mrs Appiagyei to appear before the office to assist with its inquiries.
The purported memo, dated September 2, allegedly stated: “It is with regret that I return the amount of seventy thousand cedis (GH¢70,000.00) allocated to me as an advance of money from the Majority Chief Whip of Parliament of Ghana. I am returning the money on the basis of the fact that, primarily, I do not know the source of the money being given to me”.
Mrs Appiagyei reportedly said she did not want to enjoy any financial benefit from vetting colleagues in leadership from the other side, specifically naming Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Deputy Majority Leader Zanetor Agyemang Rawlings.
She also cited the Minority Caucus’ protest and non-participation in the vetting of three Supreme Court nominees, Justice Sophia Rosetta Oduokuwa Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, and Justice Anthony Forson Jnr, on August 27, 2026 .
The Minority Caucus has disputed the authenticity of the memorandum, with Second Deputy Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib describing the document as fake.
The Africa Centre for Parliamentary Affairs has called for an independent investigation into the allegations, while anti-corruption campaigner Vitus Azeem has urged CHRAJ and the OSP to probe the matter.
The OSP confirmed it is actively investigating all extortion allegations involving Members of Parliament .
Related article: It is ‘FAKE’ – Patricia Appiagyei reacts to memo alleging rejection of GH¢70,000 money
