The second batch of ex-government appointees suspected to have taken double salaries have taken their turn at the Police Criminal and Investigative Department, Wednesday to prove their innocence.

Dr Rashid Pelpuo, MP for Wa Central, Acquinas Tawiah Quansah, MP for Mfantseman and Fifi Kwetey MP for Ketu South were present at the police CID in the company of their lawyers to explain to investigators how they ended receiving double salaries as MPs and ministers while serving under ex-president John Mahama.

Three other ex-government officials were present yesterday with many others expected later in the latest double salary scandal that has rocked the country.

One of the three who heeded the call of the Police CID Wednesday, was quick to deny the charges against him.

Dr Rashid Pelpuo told reporters he committed no such crime but admitted receiving payment as an MP and a top up as a minister.

“…I have been given an invitation to come here over issues about double salary. I have denied all charges of double salary. I have been a Member of Parliament and was also a Minister. As an MP I was paid a salary and as a Minister I was given some amount of top up,” he stated.

“I don’t interpret it to mean double salary. Essentially the system will correct and we will get to know how it all goes,” he added.

Joy News’ Parker Wilson probed further from the MP to find out if it was a double salary.

Dr Pelpuo admitted receiving monies from Parliament as a salary and a top up from the Executive when he was appointed as minister.

By law MPs who double as ministers or deputy ministers are expected to receive either a salary of an MP or Minister but not to receive both salaries.

MPs are paid by the Parliamentary Service Board whilst the Ministers are paid by the Accountant Generals Department.

An MP who is appointed as Minister and who chooses to receive the remuneration of a minister automatically forfeits the salary of the MP which is slightly lower than that of the minister.

However, Dr Pelpuo is claiming to have received his salary as an MP and a top up as a minister. He would however not disclose the quantum of the amount he received as an MP and as minister.