Majority Leader James Agalga has ruled out declaring the Asante Akyem North parliamentary seat vacant following the detention of its MP, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, in the Netherlands.
Speaking in an interview on Joy News, Mr Agalga said the MP had not been convicted and that removing him from Parliament would violate his constitutional 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?” he said.
Mr Frimpong remains in Dutch custody as he faces extradition proceedings linked to allegations of romance scams and money laundering in the United States.
Mr Agalga said the allegations did not override the MP’s right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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“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.
He added that there was agreement among MPs on the need to uphold the 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,” he said.
Mr Frimpong was arrested at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on May 10, 2026, after arriving from Ghana, following a US extradition request. Parliament subsequently confirmed his detention and contacted Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa later confirmed that the MP had received consular assistance, including a visit from Ghanaian officials.
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 said he had been formally briefed on the matter but did not know the specific details of the alleged offences.
“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.
He said the visit would allow him to obtain firsthand information about the case.
The Majority Leader also confirmed that Ghana’s mission in Brussels was assisting the detained MP.
“He’s a Member of Parliament, so our mission in Brussels is assisting,” he said.
He said Parliament was awaiting the outcome of the applications before the court.
“We pray for our colleague that the applications that are currently before the court would come out favourably for him,” he added.
