The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has invited Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei to assist with preliminary investigations into an alleged GH¢70,000 payment reportedly linked to the vetting of ministerial and Supreme Court nominees.
The invitation follows the circulation of a purported memorandum in the media, which allegedly indicates that the Asokwa MP returned the money after questioning its source and purpose.
In a statement issued on Friday, September 4, 2026, the OSP said it had taken note of the document and commenced preliminary investigations to establish its authenticity, the source of the alleged funds and the purpose for which they were reportedly provided.
According to the anti-corruption agency, the contents of the purported memo raised concerns because they allegedly cast doubt on the source of the funds and suggested that the payment may have had “the hallmarks of extortion of the nominees.”
“Given the constitutional importance of the Appointments Committee of Parliament and the need to safeguard the integrity of the vetting process,” the OSP said it had commenced the inquiry into the veracity, source and purpose of the alleged funds.
The OSP added that it had dispatched a communication inviting Patricia Appiagyei to appear before the office and assist with the preliminary investigation.
The purported memorandum, allegedly addressed by Appiagyei to Minority Chief Whip and Nsawam/Adoagyiri MP Frank Annoh-Dompreh, reportedly states that she returned the alleged GH¢70,000 after questioning its source and purpose.
According to the document, the money was allegedly advanced by the Majority Chief Whip in connection with the Appointments Committee’s vetting of two ministerial nominees and three nominees to the Supreme Court.
Jerry Ahmed disputes allegations
The OSP’s invitation comes amid conflicting claims about the purported memo and the alleged payment.
Second Deputy Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib has dismissed reports that Patricia Appiagyei received and subsequently returned GH¢70,000 in connection with the vetting process.
Speaking exclusively to TV3’s NewsCentral on Friday, Jerry Ahmed said there was “no truth whatsoever” in the allegations contained in the purported memo.
He said he had spoken directly with Appiagyei, who was reportedly upset about the claims and did not understand their basis.
“There is no truth whatsoever in that story. I have spoken particularly to my Deputy Minority Leader who has been very upset with the seeming whatever is going round. She doesn’t even understand it and she is very upset,” he said.
The Weija-Gbawe MP urged the public to disregard the information and cautioned against the circulation of claims without proper verification.
He further insisted that Appiagyei had not received money from anyone to influence the vetting of ministerial or Supreme Court nominees.
“So, I can tell you on authority that I have not dealt with anyone, she has not dealt with anyone, I do not know who is dealing with this and where this is coming from.
“She had not received any money from anyone and she does not know where this is coming from with a certain signature of hers,” he stated.
The OSP’s preliminary inquiry is expected to establish the authenticity of the purported memorandum and clarify the source and purpose of the alleged funds.
By:Rachael Djabakie