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 on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, Mr Agalga said the lawmaker had not been convicted of any offence and that declaring his seat vacant would infringe on 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 asked.
Mr Frimpong remains in Dutch custody as he faces extradition proceedings over allegations of romance scams and money laundering in the United States.
Mr Agalga stressed that the allegations against the MP did not negate the presumption of innocence, which he said was firmly guaranteed under Ghana’s Constitution.
“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.
The Majority Leader added that there was a consensus among Members of Parliament 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 stated.
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 also confirmed that the government was providing consular assistance, including a visit to the detained legislator.
The MP has reportedly made two unsuccessful attempts to secure bail, while Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has disclosed that the extradition hearing is scheduled for November 18, 2026.
Mr Agalga said he had been formally briefed on the situation but did not have detailed knowledge of the allegations against his colleague.
“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 explained that the planned visit would allow him to obtain firsthand information about the case.
The Majority Leader also confirmed that Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Brussels was assisting the detained MP.
“He’s a Member of Parliament, so our mission in Brussels is assisting,” he stated.
For now, Mr Agalga said Parliament would await the outcome of the legal proceedings, expressing hope that the applications before the court would be resolved in the MP’s favour.
“We pray for our colleague that the applications that are currently before the court would come out favourably for him,” he added.
