The Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, has been confirmed dead at the age of 40. The news, first reported by GHOne TV and later corroborated by multiple sources, has sent shockwaves through Ghana’s political landscape. As of now, the cause of his sudden demise remains unknown.
Kumi, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), won the Akwatia parliamentary seat in the 2024 general elections with 19,269 votes, defeating the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Henry Yiadom Boakye . His political journey, though brief, was marked by both promise and turbulence.
Shortly after his electoral victory, Kumi became embroiled in a legal dispute over the legitimacy of his win. In February 2025, the Koforidua High Court convicted him for contempt after he defied an injunction barring his swearing-in. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest when he failed to appear for sentencing . However, in a dramatic turn, the Supreme Court overturned the conviction in June 2025, citing judicial bias in a 4–1 ruling .
Beyond the courtroom drama, Kumi was known for his academic rigor, holding an MSc in Defence and International Politics and an LLB. In Parliament, he served on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee and the House Committee, contributing to legislative discussions despite the cloud of legal battles that loomed over his tenure .
His passing leaves a void in the Akwatia constituency and raises questions about the political future of the seat he fought so hard to secure.
Sankofaonline
