Agalga plans visit to detained Kwame Frimpong amid extradition proceedings

Majority Leader James Agalga plans to visit detained Asante Akyem North MP Ohene Kwame Frimpong to get firsthand information about his case as extradition proceedings continue in the Netherlands.

Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday, Mr Agalga said he would make the trip when his parliamentary workload eases.

“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 the visit would help him understand the circumstances surrounding his colleague’s detention.

“To obtain firsthand information about what is happening,” he explained.

Mr Agalga confirmed that he had been formally briefed on the matter. He expressed hope that the applications before the Dutch court would succeed.

“We pray for our colleague that the applications that are currently before the court would come out favourably for him.”

Mr Frimpong was arrested at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on May 10, 2026, following a US extradition request. The case concerns allegations of romance scams and money laundering. He has not been convicted.

Two attempts to secure bail have failed. His substantive extradition hearing is scheduled for November 18, according to Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor. He has also dismissed reports that the MP has already been transferred to the United States.

Following the arrest, Parliament engaged Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also confirmed consular assistance, including a visit to the detained MP.

In Wednesday’s interview, Mr Agalga said Ghana’s mission in Brussels had been supportive. He welcomed that assistance and stressed that Parliament must uphold the presumption of innocence.

“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 also rejected suggestions that Parliament should declare Mr Frimpong’s seat vacant because of his detention.

“No, we can't do that. He's not been convicted. If you declare the seat vacant and the courts clear him, what happens?”

Mr Agalga said Parliament had to respect the detained MP’s rights.

“To do otherwise would amount to a violation of his rights.”