Accra, Ghana – Detained Ghanaian lawmaker Ohene Kwame Frimpong has denied widespread media reports linking his arrest in the Netherlands to an alleged romance scam.

He is insisting that the only charge communicated to him by Interpol was money laundering.

The Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, popularly known as OK Frimpong, spoke for the first time since his detention at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport in a video that surfaced online on May 15, 2026 and attributed to popular radio presenter, Black Rasta.

The clip, which has since gone viral, features an excerpt from a discussion between the arrested MP and Blakk Rasta.

‘I Was Told Nothing Else’

In the recording, Frimpong directly refuted allegations that he was arrested for his involvement in a romance scam, a form of fraud where perpetrators create fake romantic identities online to defraud victims.

“When I was picked up, the only thing they told me was that I was being arrested for money laundering and nothing else,” Frimpong could be heard saying in a audio played by Black Rasta on his show.

He also denied reports circulating in both Ghanaian and international media that linked him to $100 million and $35 million money laundering schemes. Addressing the widely reported figure of $32 million, he declined to elaborate further.

“I have heard a lot of reports that I was involved in a $32 million money laundering scheme, but I won’t say anything,” he said.

Conflicting Narratives

Frimpong’s statement directly contradicts earlier reports that suggested the arrest was connected to a broader international investigation into romance fraud. Multiple media outlets had alleged that the lawmaker was part of a $215 million fraud network, claims his legal team has not yet formally addressed.

The MP’s denial sets the stage for a potential legal battle over the precise nature of the charges, as his Amsterdam-based legal team prepares to contest extradition proceedings to the United States, where a bench warrant has reportedly been issued for his arrest.

Investigation Continues

While Frimpong has publicly rejected the romance scam allegations, he did not deny the money laundering charge.

His carefully worded statement, “I won’t say anything” regarding the $32 million figure, leaves room for more revelations as the matter unfolds.

Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor previously disclosed that the arrest warrant was issued on April 26, 2026, more than two weeks before the MP was taken into custody. Dafeamekpor has expressed concern that Ghanaian authorities were not notified of the warrant in advance.

What Comes Next

Frimpong remains in custody in the Netherlands, where his legal team is expected to challenge the extradition request from United States authorities. The case has drawn significant diplomatic attention, with Ghana’s Foreign Ministry and Attorney-General’s office monitoring developments.

The MP entered Parliament after a surprise victory in the 2024 elections as an independent candidate and has since caucused with the Majority side of the House.

This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

Accra, Ghana – President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in two new envoys accredited to Japan and Ethiopia.

During the ceremony, the president stressed that the role of ambassadors has evolved beyond traditional diplomacy and protocol to focus squarely on advancing Ghana’s economic interests abroad.

The swearing-in ceremony took place in the Credentials Hall of the Presidency in Accra, witnessed by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, and Presidential Advisor and Special Aide Joyce Bawa Mogari.

The newly appointed envoys are Mr. Humprey Chatio Ajongbah, Ambassador to Japan, and Mr. McArios Akanbeanab Akanbong, Ambassador to Ethiopia.

‘You Are Not Political Appointees’: Mahama Highlights Career Diplomat Status

President Mahama congratulated the two new envoys on their swearing-in as Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, noting that their extensive experience as career diplomats sets them apart from political appointees who require extensive coaching.

“You have been career diplomats for several years and I think you understand your jobs. You are not political appointees who have to go to great lengths to be coached on what we expect of you,” the President said.

He disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has designed key performance indicators that the envoys will be expected to follow, signaling a results-oriented approach to Ghana’s foreign missions.

70 Years of Diplomatic Relations with Japan

Addressing Mr. Ajongbah, the new envoy to Japan, President Mahama highlighted the long-standing relationship between Ghana and Japan, noting that next year marks 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

“Aside from that, Japan has a quite strong link with Ghana in terms of the arrival of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi on our shores and his death in Ghana,” the President said, referring to the renowned Japanese bacteriologist who died in Accra in 1928 while researching yellow fever.

President Mahama noted that Japan takes that historical connection very seriously. He further revealed that Ghana was the first country to which Japan began sending its overseas cooperation volunteers 50 years ago, a milestone that has created special bonds between the two nations.

“As a result of that, Japan has been very benevolent and generous to Ghana over the years in terms of their economic relations, and the new envoy should continue that tradition,” the President stated.

Key Projects with Japan Underway

President Mahama outlined several important projects currently being developed in partnership with Japan, including the new bridge over the Southern Volta River in Volivo, known as the Volivo Bridge.

“And so, you’re going to continue to work on all these and make sure that during your period as Ambassador you are able to bring all these to fruition,” he instructed the new envoy.

Ethiopia: A Strategic Post as Ghana Eyes AU Chairmanship

Turning to Mr. Akanbong, the new Ambassador to Ethiopia, President Mahama emphasized that Addis Ababa is “virtually the capital of Africa,” with Ghanaian leaders traveling there at least once annually for African Union (AU) meetings.

The President noted that Mr. Akanbong assumes his post at a significant time. Ghana is currently the First Vice Chair to the AU Bureau, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has nominated Ghana unopposed to assume the Chair of the AU when it becomes West Africa’s turn.

“And so, we are going to assume a one-year championship of the AU, and that means that as Ambassador you are going to be extremely busy, especially at a time when people have really begun to complain about whether the AU is serving the purpose for which we all created it,” President Mahama stated.

Envoy Pledges Honour, Dignity, and Integrity

Mr. McArios Akanbeanab Akanbong, speaking on behalf of his colleague, thanked President Mahama for the privilege granted to them to serve the nation.

“Your Excellency, we assure you that you shall find in us your true and worthy representatives,” he said. “We commit fully to represent you with honour, dignity, and integrity and to work assiduously to secure Ghana’s core interests as reflected in our Constitution and your reset agenda.”

A Shift Toward Economic Diplomacy

President Mahama’s remarks underscored a broader shift in Ghana’s foreign policy approach, moving beyond traditional diplomatic and protocol functions toward a model where ambassadors actively work to secure economic benefits for Ghana.

The introduction of key performance indicators for envoys reflects this results-driven philosophy.

The ceremony concluded with the President wishing the new ambassadors Godspeed as they take up their respective posts in Tokyo and Addis Ababa.

We have curated the most relevant and impactful stories from across Ghana today to keep you informed.

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Mother Disputes Electrocution Claims in Death of Asanteman SHS Student

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