Agalga rules out declaring detained Asante Akyem North MP’s seat vacant

Majority Leader James Agalga has declined to declare the Asante Akyem North parliamentary seat vacant amid his MP, Ohene Kwame Frimpong's detention in the Netherlands. On Joy News’ PM Express, he stated that the MP had not been convicted. Agalga argued that removing him from Parliament would infringe upon his rights. Frimpong is currently held in Dutch custody as he faces extradition proceedings over alleged scams in the United States.

Agalga emphasized that the allegations should not override Frimpong's presumption of innocence, a principle enshrined in Ghana's constitution. MPs, according to Agalga, are unanimous in respecting this principle. Frimpong was arrested at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport on May 10, 2026, following a US extradition request. Parliament confirmed his detention and reached out to Ghana's diplomatic mission in The Hague.

The Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, arranged consular assistance, including a visit to the MP. Two attempts to secure bail have been unsuccessful. The extradition hearing is set for November 18, 2026. Agalga confirmed he had been briefed on the situation but did not provide details of the alleged scam. He expressed a desire to personally visit Frimpong once work pressures subside, hoping to gain firsthand information about the case.

Agalga also mentioned that Ghana’s mission in Brussels is supporting the detained legislator. For now, Parliament is waiting for the court applications' outcomes, hoping for a favorable result for Frimpong.