Deputy Minority Leader and Asokwa MP Patricia Appiagyei has denied receiving or returning any GH¢70,000 allegedly linked to the vetting of ministerial and Supreme Court nominees.
She has also disowned a memorandum circulating in the media which purportedly showed that she had rejected the money because she did not know its source.
In a statement issued on Friday, September 4, Mrs. Appiagyei said she did not authorise, write or circulate the document, describing it as fake and urging the public to disregard it.
She further stated that she did not receive any payment of GH¢70,000, or any other amount, from anyone in connection with the vetting of ministerial or Supreme Court nominees or her duties as a member of Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
According to her, she therefore had no occasion to return any such payment, contrary to the claims contained in the disputed memorandum.
Mrs. Appiagyei said she was at a funeral when the document first came to her attention and initially believed that the fake stamp she had authorised to be placed on it was sufficient to deal with the matter.
She has since indicated that she is taking legal advice on possible action once the source of the document is established, and has reserved her rights against anyone found responsible for its fabrication or knowing circulation.
The controversy follows the Minority Caucus’ decision to boycott the August 27 vetting of three Supreme Court nominees over concerns about the timetable and procedures adopted by the Appointments Committee.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Prosecutor has commenced a preliminary investigation into the alleged GH¢70,000 payment and has invited Mrs. Appiagyei as part of its inquiry.
