The Akwatia constituency in Ghana’s Eastern Region has been plunged into mourning following the reported death of its Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi, a first-time legislator representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to reports, the opposition party’s legislator passed away after a short illness, bringing a dramatic end to what had been a highly contentious parliamentary tenure.
Ernest Yaw Kumi, whose election to Parliament in the December 7, 2024 general elections sparked immediate legal disputes, had until his untimely death been at the center of a heated courtroom drama that attracted national attention.
His victory in the parliamentary polls was contested in court, leading to an injunction issued by the Koforidua High Court on January 6, 2025, barring him from being sworn in as MP until the matter was resolved.
In defiance of that court order, Mr. Kumi presented himself in Parliament on January 7, 2025, and was sworn in alongside his peers.
This act of defiance resulted in a contempt charge, and on February 9, 2025, the Koforidua High Court convicted him and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
For several weeks, this development made headlines and intensified the already polarized political climate surrounding his case.
However, the Supreme Court of Ghana later intervened, quashing the High Court’s contempt ruling. In doing so, the country’s apex court cleared Kumi of the conviction, bringing temporary legal relief and some vindication to the embattled MP.
Despite the reprieve, Mr. Kumi remained a figure of considerable political tension. His health, however, reportedly deteriorated shortly after the legal storm, and he succumbed to a brief illness, according to sources close to his family and party.
Outpouring of Grief
The precise nature of his illness has not been publicly disclosed. His sudden passing has elicited an outpouring of grief and reflections from colleagues across the political divide.
Hon. Eric Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament for Ketu North and a member of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), shared a deeply emotional tribute, expressing his sorrow and disbelief.
“Oh Ernest. You broke my heart deeply. Bro, is this all there is to the struggle? What happened to all the discussions we had last week? Oh. Death. Lord have mercy on us”.
Hon. Eric Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament for Ketu North
Another ruling party’s legislator Hon. Haruna Mohammed, MP for Asunafo North, expressed profound sadness over the death of the embattled NPP lawmaker.
“Deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Hon. Ernest Kumi, MP for Akwatia. His dedication to public service and commitment to his constituents will be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, and the people of Akwatia. May his soul rest in perfect peace”.
Hon. Haruna Mohammed, MP for Asunafo North
Mr. Kumi’s death leaves a vacuum in Akwatia and within the NPP’s parliamentary ranks. Akwatia, a politically significant swing constituency, is expected to draw renewed attention as political parties begin strategizing for an impending by-election, now constitutionally mandated to fill the vacant seat.
Despite the controversy that shadowed his brief tenure in Parliament, colleagues, friends and supporters describe Ernest Yaw Kumi as a committed advocate for his people, passionate about development and dedicated to public service.
His political career, though short-lived, was marked by an unapologetic boldness that both inspired and challenged political norms within his party and beyond.
The Speaker of Parliament is expected to formally announce his death on the floor of the House, after which Parliament will observe the necessary protocols, including a period of mourning.
Details regarding his funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the family and the NPP’s Eastern Regional leadership. However, given the public interest surrounding his life and the controversy that marked his final months, the occasion is expected to attract national attention
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