No truth in GH¢70k ‘gift’ claims involving Appiagyei, the memo is fake – Deputy Minority Whip

Deputy Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib has firmly rejected claims that Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei returned a GH¢70,000 "gift" for her role in vetting ministerial and Supreme Court nominees. Shaib stated there is "no truth whatsoever" in the reports, and he has spoken directly with Appiagyei, who expressed her confusion over the circulating information.

He emphasized that neither he nor Appiagyei received any money to influence the vetting process. The disputed claim originated from a memo claiming Appiagyei requested the return of GH¢70,000 sent to her by the Majority Chief Whip, citing uncertainty about the source of the funds. The memo also stated that Appiagyei refused to accept any financial benefits while vetting nominees, including Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Deputy Majority Leader Zanetor Agyemang-Rawlings, as well as three Supreme Court nominees.

The dispute arose after the Minority Caucus withdrew from the vetting process due to dissatisfaction with the Appointments Committee's procedure.