The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has commenced a preliminary investigation 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 follows a document circulating in the media, purportedly attributed to the Member of Parliament for Asokwa and Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, and addressed to the Member of Parliament for Nsawam/Adoagyiri and Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh.
According to the document, Patricia Appiagyei allegedly returned GH¢70,000 allocated to her as an advance from the Majority Chief Whip in connection with the vetting of two ministerial nominees and three nominees to the Supreme Court.
The OSP, in a public notice dated September 4, 2026, said it has taken note of the document and the allegations contained in it.
The Office says the document allegedly suggests that Patricia Appiagyei raised concerns about the source of the money and that the circumstances surrounding the alleged funds had the hallmarks of extortion of the nominees.
The OSP has therefore begun preliminary investigations to establish the veracity of the document, the source of the alleged funds and the purpose for which the money was allegedly provided.
As part of the inquiry, the OSP has invited Patricia Appiagyei to appear before the office and assist with the preliminary investigation.
Background
The development comes at a time when the integrity of parliamentary vetting processes remains a matter of significant public interest.
Under Ghana’s constitutional arrangements, the Appointments Committee of Parliament plays an important role in scrutinising presidential nominees for ministerial and other public offices before their appointments are approved by the House.
The Committee is expected to examine the competence, qualifications and suitability of nominees and to make recommendations to Parliament.
The latest allegation, however, raises questions about whether money may have been offered or distributed in connection with the vetting process.
The OSP has not established that the alleged GH¢70,000 payment was made for the purpose of influencing the vetting of any nominee. The investigation is at a preliminary stage and is intended to establish the facts surrounding the document and the alleged transaction.
The Special Prosecutor has also indicated that the office is actively investigating all extortion allegations involving Members of Parliament.
The outcome of the investigation could determine whether the allegations contained in the circulating document are genuine and whether any criminal offence has been committed.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah
Ahotoronline, Accra
