Ghana’s Parliament suspended its sitting on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, to mourn the passing of the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi.
The adjournment followed a request by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who urged the First Deputy Speaker to suspend proceedings in honour of the late legislator.
Delivering the news with visible sorrow, Afenyo-Markin stated, “Mr. Speaker, this is very sad. I break this unfortunate news with deep regret and hesitation, but it is my duty to do so.” He added that the Minority Caucus is in contact with the bereaved family and extended condolences to them and the people of Akwatia.
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The House observed a minute’s silence in tribute to Kumi, while the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, also joined in expressing sympathy and supporting the motion to adjourn. “This is not just a loss for the Minority; he was a member of this House. We stand united in this grief,” Ayariga said.
To mark his passing, Kumi’s seat and microphone in Parliament were draped in red cloth.
Kumi, aged 40, was a rising figure within the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He won the Akwatia seat during the 2024 general elections with 19,269 votes, defeating NDC’s Henry Yiadom Boakye, who garnered 17,206 votes. He had earlier secured the NPP’s nomination in 2023 by unseating the incumbent, Ama Sey, in the party primaries.
His tenure, however, was marked by legal controversy. In February 2025, he was convicted of contempt by the Koforidua High Court for flouting an injunction that barred him from assuming office. A bench warrant was later issued for his arrest after he failed to appear for sentencing.
That conviction was eventually overturned by the Supreme Court in June 2025. In a 4–1 majority ruling, the Court found the High Court’s decision to be influenced by judicial bias, clearing the way for Kumi to fully resume his role in Parliament.
His passing was confirmed on July 7, 2025, by Dr. Mahama Tiah Kabiru, MP for Walewale, in an interview.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem