The Minority Caucus in Parliament has delivered a deeply emotional tribute to the late Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, whose sudden
The Minority Caucus in Parliament has delivered a deeply emotional tribute to the late Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, whose sudden death on July 7, 2025, has shaken the political establishment and left a vacuum in one of the most hotly contested constituencies.
The late MP will be laid to rest this weekend at Akyem-Wenchi, where his family, colleagues, and constituents will gather to bid him farewell.
A Rising Political Force Cut Short
The late Ernest Yaw Kumi’s entry into frontline politics was anything but ordinary. His rise within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) reflected both resilience and strategic grit.
After narrowly losing the 2020 parliamentary race, he returned even stronger to secure his party’s nomination for the 2024 general elections. For the people of Akwatia—an Eastern Region constituency known for its unpredictable electoral swings—Ernest Kumi’s tenacity struck a chord.
Despite a chaotic general election marked by heated confrontations, disputes at collation centres, and accusations of vote interference, Ernest Kumi emerged victorious.
The Electoral Commission eventually affirmed his win under the vigilance of tight security at the National Police Training School in Accra, handing him a decisive—though contested—mandate.
Legal Storms
Ernest Yaw Kumi’s political journey was quickly engulfed in legal battles.
Barely days before the swearing-in ceremony of the 9th Parliament, the NDC’s parliamentary candidate, Henry Boakye-Yiadom, secured an interim injunction in the Koforidua High Court, halting Kumi’s induction. The suit alleged irregularities and asked the court to nullify the election.
But Kumi pressed on.
On January 7, 2025, he joined other MPs to take the oath of office in Parliament despite the court order.
That single act ignited a months-long legal confrontation and triggered a contempt ruling against him. Justice Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe subsequently issued a bench warrant for his arrest when Kumi failed to appear before the court.
For weeks, the MP lived under the threat of arrest, with security agencies attempting to enforce the warrant. The incident sharply divided political opinion—while some described his actions as defiance of judicial authority, others saw him as the victim of political intimidation.
Supreme Court Clears His Name
In a pivotal judgment on June 11, 2025, the Supreme Court quashed the High Court’s decision, describing the contempt ruling and the arrest order as legally flawed.
The 4–1 decision immediately restored calm around Kumi and offered him what many supporters viewed as vindication.
Within parliamentary circles, he was applauded for his debates, his measured tone, and his growing influence on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee.
Even the Minority Caucus—despite being on the opposite side of the aisle—acknowledged his discipline and intellect.
Minority Caucus: “We Have Lost a Fighter and a Brother”
In a profoundly moving tribute, the Minority Caucus led by the Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh described Ernest Kumi as “a fighter whose faith and resilience inspired even those who disagreed with him politically.”
The tribute recalled his firm belief in due process, his humble spirit, and his ability to stand tall in the face of political hostilities. It highlighted how, despite being a first-term MP surrounded by seasoned legislators, Kumi spoke with clarity, reasoned with conviction, and maintained the calm demeanour of a man focused on service.
According to Frank Annoh-Dompreh, his legacy is one of courage, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to parliamentary duty.
The Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP emphasised that even in an adversarial chamber, Ernest Yaw Kumi remained respectful, principled, and intellectually grounded.
A Personal Loss Beyond Politics
For the Minority Caucus, Ernest Kumi was not just a political opponent—he was a colleague who earned admiration across party lines. Their tribute extended heartfelt condolences to:
His elderly mother, praised for raising a disciplined and God-fearing son
His wife, described as a pillar of strength throughout his tumultuous political journey
His children, whose future, the Caucus pledged, they would continue to support
The extended Kumi family, urged to take solace in the honour he earned during his brief but impactful public serviceThe Caucus reaffirmed its commitment to stand by the family—not just during the funeral, but for years to come.
Death After a Turbulent Start to Public Office
The circumstances surrounding his death remain undisclosed. Family sources confirm only that he passed suddenly on July 7, 2025, mere weeks after his Supreme Court victory.
His demise cuts short a political life marked by both controversy and promise.
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