OSP begins probe into GH¢70K vetting funds, invites Patricia Appiagyei

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has commenced a preliminary investigation into claims surrounding GH¢70,000 allegedly allocated to Deputy Minority Leader and Asokwa MP Patricia Appiagyei in connection with parliamentary vetting.

The investigation follows the circulation of a purported memorandum attributed to Mrs. Appiagyei and addressed to Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, in which she reportedly said she had returned the funds.

The development comes after the Asokwa MP said she was returning the money because she did not know its source and did not want to receive any financial benefit from the vetting of nominees.

Her decision was also linked to 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 Jr.

The OSP, in a statement, said its probe will establish the authenticity of the document, the source of the money and its intended purpose.

The anti-graft agency said the matter required scrutiny because of the constitutional importance of Parliament’s Appointments Committee and the need to protect the integrity of its vetting process.

It also noted that the purported memorandum cast doubt on the source of the funds and contained claims suggesting they had “the hallmarks of extortion of the nominees.”

As part of the probe, the OSP has invited Ms Appiagyei to appear before the office and assist with the preliminary investigation.

The OSP said it is “actively investigating all extortion allegations involving Members of Parliament.”