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The Second Deputy Minority Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has rejected claims that Deputy Minority Leader and Asokwa MP Patricia Appiagyei returned GH¢70,000 allegedly given to her in connection with the vetting of ministerial nominees and Supreme Court nominees.
Speaking to Citi News, Mr Ahmed described a letter circulating on social media in Mrs Appiagyei’s name as fake. He said the MP had confirmed that she was unaware of the document’s origin and did not know who authored it.
“She has confirmed that she has no idea where the letter emanated from or who authored it,” Mr Ahmed said.
The disputed letter claimed that Mrs Appiagyei had returned GH¢70,000 after questioning the source of the money and expressing unwillingness to personally benefit from the parliamentary vetting of government officials and Supreme Court nominees.
The document also allegedly referred to the Minority’s decision not to take part in the vetting of three Supreme Court nominees, citing concerns about the process.
Mr Ahmed further said inquiries had been made on the Majority side of Parliament, where officials reportedly indicated that neither the letter nor any such payment originated from them.
The development adds to the controversy surrounding reports of financial allocations allegedly made to members of Parliament’s Appointments Committee in connection with the vetting exercise.
The alleged payment has sparked public debate over whether MPs should receive money in relation to their duties on the Appointments Committee.
However, the Minority maintains that the document circulating under Mrs Appiagyei’s name is not authentic. Mr Ahmed has therefore urged caution in dealing with the claims, particularly as the source and authorship of the letter remain unclear.
The controversy comes amid increased scrutiny of the operations of Parliament’s Appointments Committee and allegations concerning financial arrangements linked to the vetting of presidential nominees.