The Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, was arrested by Dutch security officials at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam shortly after his KLM flight from Accra landed, over allegations linked to romance scams and money laundering.
According to Citinewsroom, the lawmaker departed from Kotoka International Airport in Accra on Saturday, May 9, aboard KLM Flight 590, which left through Gate C7 at about 10:10 p.m. and arrived at Schiphol Airport at approximately 4:36 a.m. GMT on Sunday.
Sources indicate that after the aircraft touched down at Gate F3 and passengers prepared to disembark, the pilot announced that everyone should remain seated for a security check. A team of Dutch security officials then boarded the plane and went directly to the Business Class section where the MP was seated, alongside another senior government official on the same flight.
The officials reportedly identified Ohene Kwame Frimpong, read him his rights, handcuffed him, and escorted him off the aircraft into a waiting security van. He was subsequently taken into detention.
The arrest is connected to allegations of romance scams and money laundering, although Dutch authorities are yet to issue an official detailed statement on the case.
Parliament has confirmed the detention of the Independent MP for Asante Akyem North. In a statement signed by the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, the House disclosed that the Speaker and leadership are in contact with Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague for further details.
Diplomatic and legal engagements between Ghanaian officials and Dutch authorities are ongoing as the matter unfolds.
According to the Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson Nelson-Dafeamekpor, a Hague-based Ghanaian lawyer has been secured to assist the embattled MP while several high-level government officials are engaged in dealing with the arrest.
Defeamekpor noted that the MP was traveling to the UK for a private visit when he was arrested.