Speaker Alban Bagbin on Saturday, September 5, demanded that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) expedite its inquiry into allegations that Deputy Minority Leader and Asokwa MP Patricia Appiagyei was offered a GH¢70,000 payment in connection with the work of Parliament’s Appointments Committee.
The claim stems from a purported memorandum allegedly authored by Mrs Appiagyei and addressed to Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh‑Dompreh, stating that she had returned the advance. Mrs Appiagyei has denied receiving or returning the money, calling the memorandum fabricated.
In a statement issued by Parliament, the Speaker said the allegations required thorough scrutiny, particularly because they concerned a purported payment linked to a parliamentary committee’s work. “The Rt. Hon. Speaker welcomes any lawful investigation directed at establishing the facts and urges the Office of the Special Prosecutor to pursue the matter thoroughly and expeditiously,” the statement read.
Bagbin added that the investigation should determine not only whether the payment was made but also whether the memorandum at the centre of the controversy is authentic. He warned that if the document is found to be fabricated or falsely attributed to Mrs Appiagyei, the matter should not end with that finding alone.
He called for the involvement of the Cyber Security Authority and other relevant law‑enforcement agencies to identify those behind any alleged fabrication and, where evidence supports it, ensure that they face appropriate legal consequences.
The OSP has already begun preliminary investigations to establish the veracity, source and circumstances surrounding the alleged payment and the disputed document. Parliament has urged the public and media to exercise restraint, refraining from further circulation of the memorandum or drawing conclusions before facts are established.
Bagbin reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the integrity of its processes, especially the work of the Appointments Committee. He stressed that the matter must ultimately be resolved on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law.
