The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has commenced preliminary investigations into an alleged GH¢70,000.00 payment involving a Member of Parliament.
The investigation follows the circulation of a purported memorandum allegedly authored by Madam Patricia Appiagyei, Member of Parliament for Asokwa and Deputy Minority Leader, and addressed to Mr Frank Annoh-Dompreh, MP for Nsawam/Adoagyiri and Minority Chief Whip.
The OSP, in a statement, said the document alleged that Madam Appiagyei had returned GH¢70,000.00 allocated to her as an advance from the Majority Chief Whip.
The alleged payment was said to be connected to Parliament’s Appointments Committee’s vetting of two nominees for ministerial positions and three nominees to the Supreme Court.
The OSP said it had commenced the preliminary investigation given the constitutional importance of the Appointments Committee and the need to safeguard the integrity of the parliamentary vetting process.
It said the investigation would establish the veracity of the purported memorandum, the source of the alleged funds and the purpose for which they were allegedly provided.
The OSP said it was also considering the contents of the document, particularly the allegation that Madam Appiagyei had raised concerns about the source of the funds.
It said the document contained allegations suggesting that the alleged payment bore the hallmarks of extortion of the nominees.
The OSP said it had consequently dispatched a communication inviting Madam Appiagyei to appear before the Office to assist with the preliminary investigation.
It said the invitation formed part of efforts to establish the facts surrounding the purported document and the allegations contained in it.
The OSP stressed the need to protect the integrity and credibility of Parliament’s constitutional vetting processes.
It said the preliminary investigation would determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged transaction and whether any offence had been committed.
The OSP also stated that it was actively investigating all allegations of extortion involving Members of Parliament.
It assured the public that the investigations would be guided by the law and evidence as it worked to establish the facts of the matter.
Source: GNA
