Private legal practitioner Amanda Clinton has sparked fresh debate over Ghana’s international image and institutional credibility after criticizing the handling of the arrest of Asante Akyem North Member of Parliament, Kwame Ohene Frimpong, in the Netherlands.
Speaking with Sammie Wiafe on Channel One TV’s What the Papers are Saying on Thursday, May 14, Amanda Clinton argued that the matter could have been handled differently to protect Ghana’s image and sovereignty.
Where was the MP arrested and the motive behind his arrest
The lawmaker was reportedly detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam while travelling through the country on a KLM flight to Montreal. According to reports, the arrest is linked to an alleged United States warrant connected to investigations into money laundering and online fraud related activities.
She explained that handling the matter locally would have projected stronger institutional control and reinforced public confidence in Ghana’s justice system.
Amanda Clinton further argued that allowing the arrest to occur publicly in another country creates the impression that Ghana either lacked awareness of the operation or had limited authority over how the situation unfolded.
Parliament confirmed earlier this week that it had officially been informed about the detention and was engaging Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague to gather additional information regarding the case.
According to her, international agencies sometimes exercise caution in investigations involving public officials due to fears that sensitive intelligence could be compromised before arrests are made.
“I think it was about the optics of how this played out. Because, should the Majority Chief Whip [Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor] be right that our security agencies were aware, then optics, internationally and locally, it would have been better if Ghana handled this for sovereignty.
“We handle it from our shores, and we determine if he’s guilty; we extradite him like any other person. Or come out with a very strong message that it’s a witch-hunt for nothing. It could have been handled better,” she said.
She added, “I think behind closed doors, leadership will be upset as to how this has been handled diplomatically. Because it makes it look like either they didn’t know what was going on, or if they did know, they didn’t have control as to how they expelled him.”
Despite the backlash, Amanda Clinton later defended her comments, insisting that her observations were not intended to attack Ghana’s security agencies but rather highlight broader institutional challenges surrounding politically sensitive investigations
She emphasized that Ghana has capable investigators and legal professionals but argued that bureaucratic delays, political caution and institutional constraints can sometimes affect how high profile cases are handled.
Legal analysts say the case highlights the growing collaboration between international agencies in tackling transnational fraud, cybercrime and money laundering schemes. Recent indictments involving Ghanaian nationals in alleged romance fraud operations have increased international attention on financial crime investigations connected to West Africa.
At the same time, experts caution that allegations alone do not amount to guilt and stress that due process must be respected throughout any investigation or extradition proceedings.
Amanda Clinton herself acknowledged that the MP remains innocent until proven guilty in court and stressed the importance of legal fairness and constitutional protections.
Parliament on Tuesday, May 12, confirmed that the Independent MP had been detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam.
In a statement signed by the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, Parliament said it had been formally informed of the development and was engaging Ghana’s diplomatic mission in The Hague to gather further details.
