‘Asante Akyem North MP is innocent until proven guilty’ – Majority Leader

Parliament's Majority Leader, James Agalga, has reaffirmed the principle of "innocent until proven guilty" in the case of detained Asante Akyem North MP Ohene Kwame Frimpong. Speaking on Joy News' PM Express, Agalga emphasized that Frimpong must be presumed innocent and stressed the unity of Parliament in protecting his rights. Refusing to declare the MP's seat vacant while he faces extradition proceedings in the Netherlands, Agalga stated, "He's innocent until proven guilty.

Then there's unanimity in Parliament that we must respect that principle." He explained that declaring the seat vacant would create complications if Frimpong were later cleared by the courts. Frimpong was arrested at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport on May 10, 2026, following a US extradition request related to allegations of romance scams and money laundering.

He remains in Dutch custody after two failed bail applications and an appeal. The extradition hearing is scheduled for November 18, 2026, with Parliament's support from Ghana's mission in The Hague and the confirmation of consular assistance by the Foreign Affairs Minister. Agalga, while acknowledging he lacks specific details of the alleged scam, expressed his intention to visit Frimpong to obtain firsthand information about the case.

He highlighted the assistance provided by Ghana's mission in Brussels and wished the MP well throughout the proceedings.