The matter has nevertheless attracted the attention of Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which has commenced a preliminary investigation into the authenticity of the document, the alleged source of the money and its purported purpose.
The document circulating online was dated September 2, 2026, and was purportedly addressed by Patricia Appiagyei to Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin copied. According to reports about the document, it allegedly claimed that Appiagyei had received GH¢70,000 as an advance connected to the work of Parliament’s Appointments Committee during the vetting of two ministerial nominees and three Supreme Court nominees. The purported memo further suggested that Appiagyei had concerns about the source and purpose of the money and had decided to return it.
Appiagyei has categorically denied writing, authorising or circulating the memorandum. Speaking publicly on September 4, she said the document was fake and urged the public to disregard it. She also made a broader denial, stating that she had not received GH¢70,000 or any other amount from anyone in connection with the vetting of ministerial or Supreme Court nominees or with her responsibilities as a member of the Appointments Committee.
Her position was straightforward: if she never received the money, there was nothing for her to return. She explained that she was attending the funeral of a close friend when the story first emerged. According to her account, she initially authorised a “FAKE” stamp to be placed on copies of the document in circulation, hoping that would be enough to stop the claims from spreading. As the story gained momentum, however, she decided to issue a formal public response. Appiagyei has also indicated that she is taking legal advice and has reserved the right to pursue those responsible for creating or knowingly circulating the document.
One of the most striking elements of the controversy is the signature appearing on the purported memorandum. Hon. Appiagyei acknowledged that the signature looked similar to hers but argued that this does not establish that she authored the document. In an interview reported by Joy FM, she pointed out that signatures can be scanned, reproduced or digitally manipulated, particularly in an era where documents can be created and circulated electronically within minutes.
Her argument is therefore that the authenticity of a signature on a circulated document must be independently established rather than assumed from its appearance.
Hon. Appiagyei has also received support from colleagues within the Minority Caucus. Second Deputy Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib publicly rejected the allegations and said he had spoken directly with Appiagyei.
According to reports, Shaib said she was upset and genuinely puzzled by the emergence of the document and maintained that she had no knowledge of the alleged transaction. The Minority side has subsequently described the memorandum as fake. The development has also prompted speculation within the Minority Caucus about who could be behind the document and what motive they might have had. Hon. Appiagyei herself suggested that the episode could be an attempt by faceless individuals to create divisions within the Minority Caucus. She maintained that such efforts would not succeed.
The anti-corruption agency has also said the contents of the purported memorandum raised concerns because of what they appeared to suggest about the source of the alleged funds and possible extortion of nominees. The OSP further indicated that it was examining broader allegations of extortion involving Members of Parliament.
Reports from September 4 indicated that the OSP had dispatched communication inviting Appiagyei to assist with the preliminary investigation. Appiagyei, however, said later that day that she had not yet personally been contacted. She nevertheless made it clear that she would cooperate fully if formally invited by the state institution.
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