The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has opened preliminary investigations into an alleged GH¢70,000 payment reportedly linked to Parliament’s Appointments Committee vetting process.
The investigation centres on a purported memorandum allegedly authored by Asokwa MP and Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, and addressed to Nsawam/Adoagyiri MP and Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh.
According to the OSP, the document alleges that Madam Appiagyei returned GH¢70,000 said to have been given to her as an advance from the Majority Chief Whip.
The alleged payment is purported to have been connected to the vetting of two ministerial nominees and three nominees to the Supreme Court by Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
The OSP said it decided to initiate a preliminary investigation because of the constitutional significance of the Appointments Committee and the need to protect public confidence in the parliamentary vetting process.
The investigation will seek to establish whether the purported memorandum is authentic, identify the source of the alleged funds and determine the purpose for which the money was allegedly provided.
Particular attention will also be given to the claim contained in the document that Madam Appiagyei had raised concerns about the source of the funds.
The OSP said the contents of the purported memorandum further contain allegations suggesting that the alleged payment could amount to an attempt to extort nominees undergoing the parliamentary vetting process.
As part of its efforts to establish the facts, the Special Prosecutor has invited Madam Appiagyei to appear before the Office and assist with the preliminary inquiry.
The OSP stressed that the invitation forms part of the investigative process and is intended to help establish the circumstances surrounding the document and the allegations it contains.
The Office said the investigation would determine whether the alleged transaction occurred and, if so, whether the circumstances disclose the commission of any criminal offence.
The OSP further disclosed that it is actively investigating other allegations of extortion involving Members of Parliament.
It assured the public that the investigations would be conducted strictly in accordance with the law and guided by available evidence.
The Office reiterated the importance of safeguarding the integrity and credibility of Parliament’s constitutional vetting processes, particularly where allegations of financial inducement or extortion arise.
