The Majority Leader of Parliament, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, has expressed profound grief over the sudden passing of the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, describing the late legislator as “a young man full of promise, intellect, and energy that this House needs to sustain itself.”
Speaking in Parliament, a visibly emotional Ayariga admitted he initially dismissed reports of Mr. Kumi’s death as a hoax, citing the nature of misinformation often seen in Ghanaian politics.
“I saw on our platform some publication to the effect that we had lost our younger brother Ernest Kumi. But I didn’t believe it. In this our politics, sometimes people put out all sorts of things. Then I got another message saying, ‘Leader, it’s serious, it’s true.’ It had been published by JoyNews and other credible news platforms. I was really saddened by the development,” Ayariga said.
He eulogized the late MP as an exceptionally bright young man, “just a little over 40 years,” who had rapidly acquired multiple degrees and demonstrated strong commitment to parliamentary democracy.
“He believed in democracy and participated effectively. And as a result, he took a constituency as weighty as Akwatia, both in his party and in the general election,” the Majority Leader noted. “He was a store of knowledge, intellect, and energy. This House will feel his absence.”
Mr. Kumi, a first-time Member of Parliament elected on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), had been entangled in a high-profile legal dispute surrounding his legitimacy as an MP. His death comes after the Supreme Court overturned a contempt conviction against him by the Koforidua High Court.
In February 2025, the Koforidua High court found Mr. Kumi guilty for defying an interim injunction that barred him from presenting himself to be sworn in. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest following repeated failures to appear in court and perceived disregard for the court’s authority.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, the apex court overturned the conviction and barred the High Court judge, Justice Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe, from proceeding with sentencing. Mr. Kumi had filed a judicial review application, challenging the lower court’s ruling.
The MP’s sudden death has shocked the political community and rekindled conversations about the pressures and complexities of parliamentary service, especially for younger politicians. Tributes have since been pouring in from both sides of the House, with members describing him as brilliant, determined, and deeply committed to public service.
The cause of Mr. Kumi’s death has yet to be officially confirmed.