A former Asante Akim North MP, Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, has stated that Parliament cannot immediately declare the seat of detained MP Ohene Kwame Frimpong vacant unless legal processes are completed.

His comments follow reports that the current Asante Akim North lawmaker is being detained in the Netherlands over investigations linked to alleged financial crimes, including money laundering and suspected romance scams involving an estimated US$32 million.

Former Asante Akim North MP breaks silence on MP OK Frimpong’s ‘arrest’

Speaking in an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb’s Mandy Agyemang on Wednesday, May 3, 2026, Appiah-Kubi explained that the MP’s current absence from Parliament cannot be considered voluntary because he is in custody.

“I believe the statutory periods of absenting oneself from Parliament and that will constitute an offence under the rules saying that you have reneged on your responsibilities.

“Again, as we speak now, he is not voluntarily absenting himself. He is in custody under arrest and, therefore, we cannot impugn his absence being voluntary,” he said.

According to him, Parliament would have to wait for the legal process to determine the MP’s situation before any further constitutional action is taken.

“So, we have to wait for the process of the law to complete and maybe establish a guilt or otherwise,” he stated.

Appiah-Kubi further explained that Parliament can only trigger processes leading to a by-election if the lawmaker is unable to return to his duties within the period allowed by law.

“And then from there on, they will activate the laws that say that you cannot absent yourself from Parliament for that many days when it is proven that you will not be able to come out of your predicament within the time prescribed by law and, therefore, Parliament will declare the seat vacant,” he said.

He added that a by-election can only happen after Parliament officially declares the seat vacant.

“It is upon declaration of the seat vacant that will trigger consequential actions of by-election,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Clerk of Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, which was shared on the official social media handles of the House, indicated that the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has been informed of the matter.

It indicated that the leadership of the House is working with Ghana’s Mission in the Netherlands on the matter.

“It has come to the attention of Parliament that the Hon Member for Asante Akyem North Constituency, Mr Kwame Ohene Frimpong, has been detained at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, in the Netherlands.

Parliament confirms arrest of MP Ohene Frimpong in the Netherlands

“The Rt Hon Speaker and the leadership of the House are in touch with Ghana's Mission in The Hague for detailed information on the matter. The public will be duly informed appropriately on this matter,” the statement read.



MAG/AE

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