Anti-corruption campaigner Edem Senanu says the allegation of extortion against the Minority Leader is a serious matter that warrants investigation and must be supported by substantive evidence.

His comments follow an allegation by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, against the Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, which has triggered a public debate over the matter.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse, Mr Senanu explained that “extortionist” was not merely an insult but a technical term with a specific meaning.

"If you say extortionist, it's a technical term meaning that somebody is forcibly compelling you to give them money, resources, items, which is not their due.

"So extortionist means something specific has happened, and it is worth proving and investigating whether something has happened outside the public view, which the Chief Executive of GoldBod is alluding to and that could have implications, so it is worthy of investigating and a serious issue," he explained.

He, however, emphasised the need for credible evidence to support the claim.

“I’m hoping that if something like that has happened, there is substantive evidence that backs this particular allegation,” he said.

Mr Senanu also referenced recent Ghana Statistical Service data indicating an increase in extortion involving public officers, arguing that the issue deserved attention and further scrutiny.

He said an investigation could help establish what actually transpired and determine whether the allegation had any basis.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) says it is reviewing the allegation to establish whether it has the legal authority to investigate the matter.