ACEPA urges Parliament to respect due process over detained MP

Executive Director of the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), Dr Rasheed Draman, has urged Parliament to uphold the principles of natural justice by refraining from declaring the Asante Akyem North parliamentary seat vacant while its Member of Parliament, Kwame Ohene Frimpong, is yet to stand trial.

Speaking on the matter, Dr Draman stressed that although the Independent MP has been accused and remains in detention in the Netherlands over alleged money laundering and romance scam-related offences, he has not been convicted and must therefore be presumed innocent.

"Under the rules of natural justice, somebody has been accused, he hasn't had his day in court yet, he hasn't been convicted yet. Once he becomes a convict, then he's completely disqualified to even come near Parliament. But we are not there yet," he indicated.

Vacant seat rule must not penalise MPs in detention - Ayariga

According to a report by citinewsroom.com on July 29, 2026, Dr Draman said Parliament should wait for the judicial process to conclude before making any decision on the status of the seat, noting that Ghana's legal framework is silent on how long an MP can remain absent from Parliament under such circumstances.

Frimpong was arrested at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport on May 8, 2026, and remains in detention as legal proceedings continue.

Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has confirmed that Ghana's mission in The Hague is providing consular assistance to the MP.

MRA/JE

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