“THE SIGNATURE IS CLOSE THOUGH” — PATRICIA APPIAGYEI BREAKS SILENCE ON GH¢70,000 MEMO

Asokwa MP admits disputed signature bears striking resemblance to hers but insists similarity does not prove she authored the controversial memo

The controversy surrounding the alleged GH¢70,000 “gift” memo has taken another dramatic turn after Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei addressed the striking similarity between her signature and the one appearing on the disputed document.

Appiagyei, who has firmly denied authoring the controversial memo, acknowledged that the signature on the document appears remarkably similar to hers.

“The signature is close though,” she reportedly said when asked about the resemblance.

But the Asokwa MP was quick to caution against treating the similarity as proof that she personally signed or authored the document.

“ANYONE CAN FAKE IT”

The issue of the signature has become one of the most closely watched aspects of the controversy.

The disputed memo allegedly suggested that Appiagyei had received and subsequently returned GH¢70,000 allegedly connected to parliamentary vetting activities.

Appiagyei has rejected the document and denied authoring it.

Her position is that the apparent similarity of the signature does not establish that she signed the memo, particularly because signatures can potentially be copied or reproduced.

SIGNATURE COMPARISON FUELS THE CONTROVERSY

The debate intensified after images of the disputed memo were compared with an earlier document bearing Appiagyei’s signature.

The comparison has triggered intense public discussion, with some focusing on the apparent similarities while others insist that only a proper forensic examination can establish whether the signature is genuine.

The fact that the signature looks similar has therefore raised more questions rather than settling the controversy.

Did Appiagyei actually sign the document?

Or did someone reproduce her signature and attach it to a memo she never authored?

Those questions remain at the centre of the developing saga.

OSP PROBE LOOMS

The controversy has already attracted the attention of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which is examining issues surrounding the disputed memo and the alleged GH¢70,000 payment.

Appiagyei has indicated that she is prepared to cooperate with the investigation.

The probe could ultimately determine whether the memo is authentic, whether the alleged payment occurred and, crucially, who was responsible for creating or circulating the document.

APP IAGYEI’S DENIAL REMAINS

Despite the signature controversy, Appiagyei’s position remains unchanged: she says she did not author the disputed memo.

Her admission that the signature is “close” therefore does not amount to an admission that the document is genuine.

Instead, it adds another layer to an already explosive political and parliamentary controversy.

THE BIG QUESTION

The signature may look familiar.

It may even look “close.”

But until investigators establish its authenticity, the central question remains unanswered:

Did Patricia Appiagyei really sign the GH¢70,000 memo — or did someone make it look as though she did?

The answer could prove decisive in one of the most talked-about political controversies currently gripping Parliament.