Special Prosecutor Investigates Alleged GH¢70,000 Vetting Payment as Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei Denies Bribery Claims

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has launched a preliminary investigation into allegations of a GH¢70,000 payment linked to the parliamentary vetting of ministerial and Supreme Court nominees. The probe centers on a controversial memorandum dated September 2, 2026, purportedly authored by the Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei. The OSP’s inquiry aims to determine the authenticity of the document, which suggests a payment was made to the MP in relation to her role on the Appointments Committee, and to address broader concerns regarding potential extortion by parliamentarians during the vetting process.

Mrs. Appiagyei has vehemently denied the allegations, labeling the circulated memorandum as "fake news" and a fraudulent attempt at political mischief. While she acknowledged that the signature on the document bears a resemblance to her own, she asserted that signatures can be easily forged and maintained that she neither authored the memo nor received any such payment. The Deputy Minority Leader stated she is seeking legal advice and intends to take action against those responsible for the document. Her stance is supported by the Minority Caucus, which has rejected the memo's authenticity and pointed to their previous protests against the vetting of Supreme Court nominees on August 27, 2026, as the actual context of their recent parliamentary activities.

Former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo has voiced strong support for the OSP investigation, arguing that the gravity of the claims necessitates an independent forensic examination to protect public transparency and assess potential forgery. Parliament has also officially welcomed the probe, with the Speaker urging a thorough inquiry to clarify the situation and restore public trust. This controversy has reignited criticisms of the vetting process itself; Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), characterized the current system as a "mere formality." Amoah called for structural reforms to the Appointments Committee, including increased minority representation, to ensure more rigorous scrutiny and prevent the practice of congratulating nominees before they are approved.

As the OSP begins inviting relevant parties for questioning, the saga has already permeated the national political landscape. During a visit to Kumasi, New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia playfully commented on the situation, reflecting the high-profile nature of the controversy. With the OSP actively pursuing multiple allegations of extortion within Parliament, the outcome of this investigation is expected to have significant implications for the integrity of the Appointments Committee and the broader legislative oversight of President John Mahama’s administration.