Lawyers representing the detained Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, have moved to secure his release by filing a bail application before a Dutch court, according to disclosures by Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor. The development comes amid reports that the legislator is being investigated in the Netherlands over suspected fraud and money laundering.
Speaking on Joy FM’s PM Express programme, the South Dayi MP confirmed that Dutch authorities are handling the matter as part of broader financial crime inquiries. He stressed that no judicial body has reached a verdict and maintained that the MP remains protected by the principle of presumption of innocence.
According to him, the allegations should not be treated as settled facts. “It is an allegation, my brother,” Mr Dafeamekpor said during the interview, urging restraint as investigations continue.
He further revealed that the bail application was submitted on Tuesday, with the legal team pushing for a hearing within the week. He expressed confidence that the court would consider granting temporary release while the case is still under investigation.
“So, the lawyers have successfully filed for his bail today. And so we are praying that they will be given a hearing sometime within the week,” he said. “We think that he will prevail with the bail application.”
Mr Dafeamekpor also argued that accusations of financial crimes, whether local or international, must be handled strictly within legal procedure. “A crime is a crime. Allegation of a crime is an allegation of a crime,” he stated.
He raised concerns about the length of detention, questioning whether it was standard practice for suspects to be held for extended periods during ongoing investigations. “Do you detain somebody for this long under investigations?” he asked.
On institutional support, he noted that Ghanaian authorities, including Parliament and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had been actively involved. He said coordination with Ghana’s ambassador in The Hague had helped provide assistance to the detained MP. The city of The Hague has become central to the legal proceedings.
“The government has also supported. The Foreign Minister has been able to coordinate the work of our ambassador to The Hague to support and offer him every assistance,” he stated.
He added that parliamentary leadership had maintained contact with the MP’s family and legal team while closely monitoring developments. He also appealed for calm, urging the public to allow due process to take its course.
Mr Dafeamekpor insisted that even if investigations continue, the MP should be granted conditional liberty, arguing there is no risk of disappearance. “He should have his interim freedom to be able to do his work. He will not evaporate and go anywhere,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Mr Frimpong remains in custody in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, as Dutch judicial authorities continue their proceedings. Ghanaian officials are said to be tracking the case closely as diplomatic and legal engagement continues.
