Deputy Minority Leader and Asokwa MP Patricia Appiagyei has returned GH¢70,000 she received as an advance from the Majority Chief Whip of Parliament.
In a memorandum dated September 2, 2026, and addressed to Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin copied, Mrs Appiagyei said she was uncomfortable keeping the money because she was unaware of its source.
She also explained that she did not want to personally benefit financially from the parliamentary process involving the vetting of Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga and Deputy Majority Leader Zanetor Agyemang Rawlings.
According to her, her decision was further informed by the Minority Caucus’ position on the vetting of three Supreme Court nominees Justice Sophia Rosetta Oduokuwa Bernasko Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante and Justice Anthony Forson Jnr.
The Minority Caucus had boycotted the vetting, protesting what it described as inadequate notice and an improper procedure adopted by the Parliamentary Appointments Committee.
Mrs Appiagyei stressed that she had no intention of accepting money connected to the process, adding that she remained committed to the position taken by the Minority Caucus.
Her action follows a similar decision by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who had also returned his share of the funds.
The Minority’s objection centres on the timing and procedure for the vetting. Mr Afenyo-Markin previously argued that nominees should receive adequate notice before appearing before the Appointments Committee, citing the convention of giving about 14 days’ notice.
He maintained that the Caucus was not opposed to the nominees themselves but to the procedure used to schedule their vetting.
Mrs Appiagyei’s decision to return the GH¢70,000 therefore underscores her refusal to personally benefit from a process over which the Minority Caucus has raised formal objections.
