Foreign Affairs Minister Assures Consular Support for Detained Asante Akyem North MP
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has assured Ghanaians that the Ministry is providing consular assistance to the Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, following his detention in the Netherlands under a United States extradition request.
Addressing the media in Accra on Monday, Mr Ablakwa said Ghana’s Mission in the Hague had remained actively engaged with Dutch authorities, the MP’s family and his legal team to ensure that his rights are fully protected throughout the legal process.
“As you are all aware, the Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Mr Ohene Kwame Frimpong, was detained on 10th May 2026 at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam by Dutch immigration authorities under a United States extradition order,” the Minister said.
He explained that immediately after the detention, Ghana’s diplomatic mission in the Hague activated its consular responsibilities by coordinating with the MP’s relatives, his lawyers and the relevant Dutch authorities.
“Our Mission in the Hague has taken up the matter and is offering consular assistance to the Honourable Member. They are coordinating with his family and his legal representatives as well as relevant Dutch authorities to ensure that he is treated in accordance with internationally recognised standards and that his rights are not violated,” he stated.
The Minister disclosed that he personally visited Mr Frimpong on May 24, 2026, while he was in detention in the Hague, where he also met with the MP’s lawyer.
“I personally paid the 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 further revealed that the issue was discussed during the recent visit of the Dutch Minister for Justice and Security, David Van Weel, to Ghana.
According to him, the Dutch government reaffirmed its commitment to due process and assured Ghana that the MP’s rights would be respected throughout the proceedings.
“During the visit of the Dutch Minister for Justice and Security on 21st July 2026, he stated that the Dutch government commits to due process and will ensure that his rights are respected,” he noted.
Mr Ablakwa said the Ministry would continue to monitor developments closely through Ghana’s Mission in the Hague as part of its responsibility to provide consular protection to Ghanaian citizens abroad. He noted that safeguarding the rights and welfare of Ghanaians overseas remains a central responsibility of the Ministry whenever citizens encounter legal or humanitarian challenges outside the country.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
