Parliament has called for a thorough and expeditious investigation into a memorandum circulating on social media, purportedly authored by the Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei, concerning the alleged return of GH¢70,000.
The document has generated significant public interest, particularly following reports questioning its authenticity and the circumstances surrounding the allegations contained in it.
In a statement, Parliament said it considers allegations involving payments allegedly connected to the work of a parliamentary committee, particularly the Appointments Committee, a matter that requires proper scrutiny.
It also expressed concern over the possibility that the document may have been fabricated and falsely attributed to the MP in a manner that could undermine public confidence in Parliament and its processes.
“Parliament wishes to state that it has not independently verified the authenticity of the memorandum and will therefore not, at this stage, make any determination as to the truth or otherwise of the competing claims,” the statement said.
Parliament, however, noted reports that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has commenced investigations into the matter.
The Rt. Hon. Speaker has welcomed the investigation and urged the OSP to pursue it thoroughly and expeditiously to establish both the authenticity of the memorandum and the veracity of the claims contained in it.
“Parliament stands ready to extend the necessary cooperation to the Office of the Special Prosecutor and any other competent investigative authority in the lawful discharge of its mandate,” the statement added.
Parliament further said that should investigations establish that the memorandum was fabricated or falsely attributed to Patricia Appiagyei, the matter should not end with that finding.
According to Parliament, the appropriate investigative authorities should enlist the assistance of the Cyber Security Authority and other relevant law enforcement agencies to identify those responsible for creating and circulating the alleged false document.
It said where the evidence warrants, those responsible should be held accountable in accordance with the law.
“The fabrication and deliberate circulation of documents purporting to emanate from Members or offices of Parliament would constitute a serious assault on the integrity and reputation of the institution,” Parliament stated.
The institution has consequently urged the public, media and other stakeholders to exercise caution in sharing the document or drawing definitive conclusions until its authenticity and the circumstances surrounding it have been properly established.
Parliament reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and the integrity of its processes, including the work of the Appointments Committee.
It said the Speaker remains determined to ensure that the facts of the matter are established and that appropriate consequences follow in accordance with the law.
