Home - Majority Leader speaks on calls to declare MP OK Frimpong’s seat vacant

Majority Leader James Agalga has spoken about calls to declare Asante Akyem North MP Ohene Kwame Frimpong’s parliamentary seat vacant over his continued absence from Parliament following his detention in the Netherlands.

Agalga has ruled out such a move, insisting that the legislator cannot be removed from Parliament when he has not been convicted of any crime.

Speaking in an interview on Joy News on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, the Majority Leader argued that declaring the seat vacant while Frimpong’s case remains before the courts could 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 questioned.

He maintained that the MP remains innocent until proven guilty, stressing that the presumption of innocence is a fundamental constitutional principle that must be respected regardless of the allegations against him.

“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.

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Agalga added that there was unanimity among members of Parliament on the need to uphold the principle and respect their detained colleague's rights.

Frimpong has been in Dutch custody since May 10, 2026, when he was arrested at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport after arriving from Ghana. His arrest followed a request by the United States for his extradition over allegations involving romance scams and money laundering.

The legislator has since failed in two attempts to secure bail and remains in custody as extradition proceedings continue. According to Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, the extradition hearing is scheduled for November 18, 2026.

Parliament has been following developments surrounding his detention and has engaged Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague to ensure that he receives the necessary consular assistance.

AM

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