Former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Ernest Yaw Kuii, Member of Parliament for the Akwatia Constituency, following news of his sudden passing.
In a brief but solemn post on X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Bawumia wrote:
“I have received with sadness the passing of Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi, MP for Akwatia Constituency. Ernest was a loyal patriot. My condolences to the immediate family. May his soul rest in peace.”
The news of Hon. Kumi’s death has sent shockwaves across Ghana’s political landscape, prompting widespread mourning from colleagues and the general public. He was widely regarded as a promising legislator and rising figure in Parliament.
In Parliament, the First Deputy Speaker, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, suspended today’s sitting following a request from the Majority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin. The House agreed to reconvene on Tuesday, July 8, out of respect for the late MP.
Hon. Kumi, a first-time MP on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), had only recently emerged from a legal battle over his parliamentary legitimacy. His untimely death marks a significant loss for both his constituency and the national legislature.
Further details regarding funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. Tributes continue to pour in from across the political divide, highlighting his intellect, dedication, and potential as a leader.
Earlier this year, the Koforidua High Court had convicted Mr. Kumi of contempt after he defied an interim injunction that barred him from presenting himself for swearing-in as an MP in January 2025. The court also issued a bench warrant for his arrest, citing his failure to appear before the court and his disregard for its authority.
However, the Supreme Court later overturned the contempt conviction, ruling in favour of Mr. Kumi’s judicial review application. In addition, the apex court barred Justice Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe of the Koforidua High Court from proceeding to sentence the MP, effectively clearing the way for him to resume his parliamentary duties.