Political activist Michael Teye has questioned calls by some Minority Members of Parliament for the seat of Asante Akim North MP, Ohene Kwame Frimpong, to be declared vacant, arguing that his circumstances and ongoing legal proceedings must be carefully considered.
Speaking on Plan B 104.5 FM’s Ɛbaanosen, hosted by Ɔhene Kinnah, Mr Teye said there could be exceptional circumstances that justify an MP’s prolonged absence from parliamentary proceedings, particularly where legitimate reasons are provided and the appropriate parliamentary authorities are informed.
He cited the case of Dr. Enoch Teye Quaye-Kumah, former MP for Krowor, who was reportedly absent from Parliament for an extended period due to illness, as an example of circumstances that could justify prolonged absence.
Mr Teye argued that the situation involving Mr Frimpong should not be treated hastily, insisting that ongoing investigations and legal processes must be allowed to reach their conclusion before decisions are taken about his parliamentary status.
He questioned the calls for the MP’s seat to be declared vacant, particularly when he had not been convicted of any offence.
He further stressed the importance of respecting the presumption of innocence, arguing that the MP should not be deemed guilty simply because he is facing legal proceedings abroad.
However, Article 97(1)(c) of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution provides that an MP may lose their seat if they are absent from 15 sittings of Parliament without the Speaker’s written permission and are unable to provide a reasonable explanation to the Committee on Privileges.
The constitutional provision therefore makes prolonged parliamentary absence a separate consideration from criminal conviction.
Mr Teye’s comments come amid growing debate over the parliamentary status of Mr Frimpong, who remains in detention in the Netherlands following an extradition request by the United States.
His legal proceedings are ongoing, with an extradition hearing scheduled for November 18, 2026.
By: Raphael Narh Gatourhe
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