Ernest Yaw Kumi
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, has passed away at the age of 40, sending shockwaves through Parliament and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He died yesterday, July 7, 2025, following a short illness. Close sources indicate he died from sudden cardiac arrest.
Mr. Kumi, who was serving his first term in Parliament after winning the Akwatia seat in the December 2024 elections, was described by colleagues as a rising star in the NPP and a dedicated public servant.
Announcement in Parliament
The official announcement of his death was delivered on the floor of the House by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the young legislator.
Addressing the chamber at the beginning of the day’s sitting, Afenyo-Markin said solemnly, “Mr. Speaker, one of us has been summoned to the Parliament above. This member was a young politician from the Eastern Region, in his first term in this chamber, carrying with him a promise to contribute to the discourse of our democratic enterprise.”
He revealed that the MP had appeared healthy over the weekend and had actively participated in parliamentary committee work. His sudden passing, therefore, came as a profound shock.
“He was always there, happy and vibrant. No one can ever say that in his few months in this chamber, he was controversial or wronged colleagues. He lived the prayer of this House – a country of righteousness where none shall wrong his neighbour,” the Minority Leader recalled.
On behalf of the NPP Minority Caucus, Afenyo-Markin extended condolences to the MP’s family and constituents. “Speaker, I am through this medium expressing, on behalf of the caucus, condolences to the bereaved family and to the people of Akwatia who found him worthy of their trust.”
A Life of Promise
Ernest Yaw Kumi held three postgraduate degrees—an MBA in Corporate Governance, an LLB, and an MSc in Defense and International Politics. He was widely seen as a diligent and promising legislator with a bright future in politics.
Popularly known as the “Akwatia Star Boy,” Mr. Kumi was admired for his calm demeanour, humility, and commitment to constituency development. His passing has thrown the Akwatia Constituency and the wider NPP fraternity into deep mourning.
Tributes from Lawmakers
Lawmakers across both sides of the House paid tribute to the late MP. The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, visibly shaken, said, “Mr. Speaker, definitely, this is one of the saddest days of this House. When I first saw the reports, I didn’t believe it. I just thought it was one of those social media rumours. But then I saw it confirmed by Joy News and other credible platforms. I was truly saddened.”
He praised Kumi’s intellect and potential, describing his death as a terrible loss not just to Akwatia but to Ghana.
“He was full of promise – promise for the store of knowledge, promise for the store of energy this House needs to sustain itself. To be taken away in the prime of his life is not only a loss to Akwatia, but to Ghana as a whole,” he added.
Other MPs including Patrick Yaw Boamah (Okaikwei Central), Haruna Mohammed (Asunafo North), Frank Annoh-Dompreh (Nsawam Adoagyiri), and Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor (South Dayi) also shared heartfelt tributes.
Political and Legal Footnotes
Mr. Kumi’s brief political career was marked by both promise and controversy. In February 2025, the Koforidua High Court issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he defied an interim injunction that barred him from presenting himself for swearing-in as a Member of Parliament. The court cited his repeated absence from hearings and subsequently convicted him of contempt. However, just weeks before his sudden passing, the Supreme Court overturned that conviction, clearing him of wrongdoing in the matter.
By Ernest Kofi Adu