Parliament breaks silence on alleged GH¢70,000 memo, calls for probe into circulating document

Parliament has broken its silence over a controversial memorandum circulating on social media that allegedly details the return of GH¢70,000 connected to the work of the Appointments Committee.

In a statement issued by the Parliamentary Service, Parliament acknowledged the circulation of the document, which has reportedly been attributed to the Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei.

The development has generated significant public interest, particularly because the alleged payment is said to be connected to parliamentary committee proceedings.

However, Parliament has cautioned against drawing conclusions from the document, stressing that it has not independently verified its authenticity.

The Parliamentary Service noted that reports surrounding the alleged memo have been accompanied by categorical denials concerning both the authenticity of the document and the circumstances described in it.

Parliament raises alarm over alleged fake document

According to Parliament, any allegation involving payments allegedly connected to the work of a parliamentary committee—particularly the Appointments Committee—deserves serious scrutiny.

The institution also expressed concern over the possibility that the document could have been fabricated and falsely attributed to a sitting Member of Parliament.

Parliament warned that such conduct, if established, could undermine public confidence in Parliament and the integrity of its processes.

The statement further disclosed 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 thoroughly and expeditiously establish the facts, including determining whether the memorandum is genuine and whether the claims contained in it are accurate.

Parliament wants whoever created a fake memo held accountable

Parliament has stated that it is prepared to cooperate with the OSP and any other competent investigative authority conducting a lawful investigation into the matter.

More significantly, the institution says that if investigators establish that the memorandum was fabricated or falsely attributed to the Deputy Minority Leader, the matter should not end there.

Parliament wants the appropriate investigative authorities, with support from the Cyber Security Authority and other relevant law enforcement agencies where necessary, to identify the individuals responsible for creating and circulating the alleged false document.

Those found culpable could face legal consequences if the evidence warrants prosecution.

Parliament described the deliberate fabrication and circulation of documents purportedly originating from Members or offices of Parliament as a serious threat to the integrity and reputation of the institution.

Public urged to wait for investigation

As the controversy continues to generate discussion, Parliament has appealed to the public, media organisations and other stakeholders to exercise caution.

It urged the public not to treat the contents of the circulating memorandum as established fact until its authenticity and the circumstances surrounding it have been properly determined.

The Parliamentary Service reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the integrity of its processes.

The investigation by the OSP is therefore expected to determine a crucial question at the centre of the controversy: Is the alleged GH¢70,000 memorandum genuine, or was it fabricated and falsely attributed to an MP?