The Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, remains in custody in the Netherlands after two attempts to secure his release on bail failed. He was arrested at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on May 10, 2026, after arriving from Ghana, following an extradition request from the United States.
The case is linked to allegations of romance scams and money laundering. However, the allegations have not been established in court, and Mr Frimpong remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Two bail applications rejected
Majority Chief Whip and South Dayi MP, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, said the MP’s legal team had pursued both a substantive bail application and an appeal, but neither was granted.
“The update is that we have failed to secure bail for him in respect of the two applications that were brought before the court for the tribunal to sit. And so he’s still in custody,” Mr Dafeamekpor said.
He said the substantive extradition hearing is scheduled for November 18, 2026, barring any unforeseen developments.
Extradition hearing
The November 18 hearing will consider the extradition proceedings and determine whether the legal requirements for Mr Frimpong’s transfer to the United States have been met.
Mr Dafeamekpor dismissed speculation that the MP had already been transferred to the United States, insisting that the extradition process was still ongoing in the Netherlands.
“He’s not been taken to the US as has been alleged. No, we’re still going through the records of the extradition process,” he said.
Background to the case
Mr Frimpong’s detention was first confirmed by the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Djietror, on May 12, 2026, who said Parliament was engaging Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague over the matter.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa later confirmed that consular assistance was being provided, including a visit to the MP while in detention.
Mr Frimpong’s lawyers have argued that the warrant issued by a US magistrate court was intended for questioning and did not contain formal criminal charges.
Mr Frimpong remains in custody as the process continues. He has not been convicted of the offences alleged against him.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe