Bail Application Filed for Ghanaian MP Detained in Amsterdam
Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has confirmed that lawyers for detained Member of Parliament Ohene Kwame Frimpong have filed a bail application before a Dutch court in Amsterdam, where the legislator remains in custody.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express programme on Tuesday, Mr Dafeamekpor disclosed that the application was filed on the same day and that legal representatives are seeking an expedited hearing before the end of the week.
“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.
Mr Frimpong, who represents the Asante Akim North constituency, was arrested at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam under circumstances that have drawn significant attention in Ghana. The precise charges or basis for his detention have not been made public, though the arrest was carried out by Dutch authorities rather than Ghanaian security agencies.
Mr Dafeamekpor indicated that Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the country’s ambassador to The Hague have been actively coordinating efforts to provide consular support to the detained MP.
“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.
Parliament’s leadership, he added, has remained in regular contact with Mr Frimpong’s family and legal representatives while closely monitoring developments in the case. The Majority Chief Whip expressed confidence that the bail application would succeed, arguing that the MP poses no flight risk.
“He should have his interim freedom to be able to do his work. He will not evaporate and go anywhere,” he said, noting that investigations could continue while the MP is on temporary release.
Mr Dafeamekpor also appealed for calm among Ghanaians, urging the public to support the detained legislator and his family during what he described as a difficult period.
The arrest of a sitting Member of Parliament on foreign soil raises questions about the nature of the allegations and the international legal mechanisms involved. While Parliament has rallied behind Mr Frimpong, the lack of detailed public information about the case has fuelled speculation and concern among constituents in the Asante Akim North constituency.
The case underscores the vulnerability of public officials travelling abroad and the complexities of navigating foreign legal systems, even for holders of positions that carry no diplomatic immunity. The outcome of the bail hearing, expected later this week, will determine whether Mr Frimpong can return to Ghana while proceedings continue or remains in Dutch custody.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
