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

Majority Leader James Agalga has ruled out declaring the Asante Akyem North parliamentary seat vacant over the detention of its MP, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, in the Netherlands.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, he said the MP had not been convicted. He 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?”

Mr Frimpong remains in Dutch custody as he faces extradition proceedings linked to allegations of scams in the United States.

Mr Agalga insisted that the allegations could not override the MP’s presumption of innocence.

“Yes, we have to respect his rights. Doing otherwise would violate his rights. His right to innocence, the presumption of innocence, is well enshrined in our constitution.”

He said MPs were united on the need to uphold that principle.

“So we wish our colleague well. He's innocent until proven guilty. Then there's unanimity in Parliament that we must respect that principle.”

Mr Frimpong was arrested at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on May 10, 2026, after arriving from Ghana, following a US extradition request. Parliament confirmed his detention and contacted Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa subsequently confirmed consular assistance, including a visit to the MP.

Two attempts to secure bail have failed. Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has said the extradition hearing is scheduled for November 18, 2026.

Mr Agalga confirmed that he had been formally briefed. However, he said he did not know the precise details of the alleged scam.

“I do not know the actual details. In fact, when the pressures of work ease a bit, I intend to pay him a visit.”

He said the planned visit would help him obtain firsthand information about the case.

The Majority Leader also said Ghana’s mission in Brussels was assisting the detained legislator.

“He's a Member of Parliament, so our mission in Brussels is assisting.”

For now, he said, Parliament was awaiting the outcome of the court applications.

“We pray for our colleague that the applications that are currently before the court would come out favourably for him”.