African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) Executive Director, Dr Rasheed Draman, has described the detention of Asante Akim North MP, Kwame Ohene Frimpong, in Amsterdam as a matter of national concern.

He contended that that the incident had far reaching implications for the image of both Parliament of Ghana and the country.

According to a report by graphic.com.gh on May 14, 2026, Dr Draman said the detention of a sitting legislator in a foreign country should not be treated as a private matter because Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected representatives entrusted with upholding Ghana’s Constitution and laws.

“When an MP is detained, particularly in a foreign country, it becomes a national issue because this is a representative of the people who was duly elected and sworn in to uphold the Constitution and laws of this country,” he said.

According to him, MPs are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the dignity of the office they hold.

“The whole nation is your constituency. MPs are expected, at all times, to conduct themselves in such a way that they earn the honourable title we give to them,” Dr Draman stated.

He cautioned, however, against drawing conclusions about the circumstances surrounding Frimpong’s detention, stressing that the facts remain unclear.

“We do not know the reasons behind his detention. People are speculating, but it could be due to many reasons. We have to be very circumspect and not pronounce him guilty until the details emerge,” he said.

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Dr Draman said the development was nonetheless unfortunate and could affect Ghana’s reputation abroad.

“It is not a good day for Parliament. It is not a good day for all of us as Ghanaians because once the individual is in custody, they say a Member of Parliament of Ghana,” he added.

The ACEPA boss urged Parliament to disclose any information it has on the matter as quickly as possible to prevent misinformation and speculation from spreading.

“If Parliament has information, the earlier they make it public, the better. Otherwise, the speculations are going to go in all kinds of directions,” he said.

He also noted that legal systems in countries such as the Netherlands operate without special treatment for public officials.

“In those countries, there is no big man syndrome. Whether you are a prime minister or an ordinary citizen, you face the law equally,” he stated.

Dr Draman further suggested that the incident could spark broader discussions about the criteria and vetting processes used in selecting candidates for Parliament.

Parliament, in a brief statement on May 12, 2026, confirmed that the Independent MP for Asante Akyem North has been detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, the Netherlands on Sunday May 10, 2026.

The statement posted on Facebook, said the matter had been brought to the attention of the House and that efforts were underway to obtain full details surrounding the incident.

The statement, signed by the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, indicated that the Speaker of Parliament and the leadership of the House were engaging Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague over the development.

MRA/VPO

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