Government extends consular support to detained Asante Akyem North MP

The Government says it is continuing to provide consular assistance to Mr Ohene Kwame Frimpong, Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, who has been detained in the Netherlands since May under a United States extradition order.

Ghana’s Mission in The Hague has remained in contact with the legislator’s family, legal representatives and the Dutch authorities to ensure that his rights are protected throughout the legal process, the Government said.

Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced this at a media briefing in Accra on Monday on recent consular matters involving Ghanaian nationals abroad.

Mr Frimpong was detained on May 10, 2026, at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam by Dutch immigration authorities acting under a United States extradition order.

Mr Ablakwa said Ghana’s Mission in The Hague assumed responsibility for the consular aspects of the case immediately after the detention.

“Our Mission in The Hague has taken up the matter and is offering consular assistance to the Honourable Member,” he said.

The Minister said the Mission had been coordinating with the MP’s family, his legal team and the relevant Dutch authorities to ensure that he was treated in accordance with internationally recognised standards and that his legal rights were respected.

He said he visited the MP in The Hague on May 24, 2026, to assess his welfare and receive first-hand information on his condition.

“I can confirm that on May 24, 2026, I personally paid the Honourable MP a consular visit in The Hague.

“I also note that he was doing quite well when I engaged him, and I had the opportunity of interacting with his lawyer during the visit,” he said.

Mr Ablakwa said the Government was satisfied that the MP had access to legal representation and continued to receive consular support from Ghana’s diplomatic mission.

He said the Ministry would continue to monitor developments and provide assistance within the framework of international law.

The Minister said the case was also discussed during the official visit to Ghana by the Dutch Minister for Justice and Security, Mr David van Weel, on July 21, 2026.

He said the Dutch Minister assured the Government that the judicial process would be conducted fairly.

“He stated that the Dutch Government commits to due process and will ensure that his rights are respected,” he said.

Mr Ablakwa said Ghana would not interfere in judicial proceedings in another sovereign state but would continue to provide the MP with the consular assistance to which he was entitled under international law.

He said Ghana’s embassies and high commissions were mandated to assist citizens facing legal, humanitarian or emergency situations overseas, irrespective of their political affiliation or social status.

The Minister said the Government would continue to engage the Dutch authorities and monitor the legal proceedings until the matter was concluded.

The government would provide further updates as appropriate and respect the integrity of the ongoing judicial process, he said.

Source: GNA