Majority Leader rules out declaration of Asante Akyem North MP’s seat vacant amidst detention

Majority Leader James Agalga has stated that he will not declare the Asante Akyem North parliamentary seat vacant due to his MP Ohene Kwame Frimpong's detention in the Netherlands. Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Agalga emphasized that Frimpong has not been convicted and argued that removing him from Parliament would violate his rights.

"No, we can’t do that. He’s not been convicted. If you declare the seat vacant and the courts clear him, what happens?" Frimpong remains in Dutch custody as he faces extradition proceedings related to allegations of scams in the United States. Agalga assured that the allegations cannot override the MP's presumption of innocence, which is well enshrined in Ghana's constitution.

The MP is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and MPs are united in upholding this principle. Frimpong was arrested at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on May 10, 2026, following a US extradition request. He was confirmed to be detained by Parliament and contacted Ghana's diplomatic mission in The Hague for consular assistance. Two bail attempts have failed, and the extradition hearing is scheduled for November 18, 2026.

Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor said the hearing was confirmed, but Agalga said he did not know the specifics of the alleged scam. He expressed his intention to visit Frimpong to gather firsthand information about the case. Ghana's mission in Brussels is assisting the detained legislator. For now, Parliament is awaiting the outcome of the court applications, hoping for a favorable result for Frimpong.