Deputy Minority Leader and Asokwa MP, Patricia Appiagyei, has rejected and directed the return of GH¢70,000 sent to her by the Majority Chief Whip of Parliament, saying she was uncomfortable personally benefiting from a parliamentary process her Caucus had boycotted.
Mrs Appiagyei said she was also unable to accept the money because she had not been informed about its source.
In a memorandum dated September 2 and addressed to the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin copied, the Deputy Minority Leader said her decision was guided by principle.
She directed that the money be returned to the Majority Chief Whip.
“It is with regret that I return the amount of seventy thousand cedis (GH¢70,000.00) allocated to me as an advance of money from the Majority Chief Whip of Parliament of Ghana. I am returning the money on the basis of the fact that, primarily, I do not know the source of the money being given to me,” she stated.
Mrs Appiagyei further said she was particularly uncomfortable receiving any financial benefit connected to the vetting of members of the governing side’s leadership, including Mahama Ayariga and Zanetor Agyemang Rawlings.
She also pointed to the Minority Caucus’ decision to boycott the vetting of three Supreme Court nominees — Justice Sophia Rosetta Oduokuwa Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante and Justice Anthony Forson Jnr — as another reason for returning the money.
