Akwatia Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi, has reportedly passed away, though the exact time of his death remains unknown. The 40-year-old was aligned with the Minority side in Parliament.
The Minority Leadership is yet to officially comment on the passing of their colleague.
Mr. Kumi was recently at the center of a high-profile legal battle. On June 11, 2025, the Supreme Court, in a 4–1 majority decision, overturned a contempt conviction handed down by the Koforidua High Court.
Earlier in the year, on January 3, the same High Court had issued an interim injunction preventing Kumi from being sworn in as the MP for Akwatia. The injunction followed a legal challenge from Henry Boakye-Yiadom, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate and former MP, who contested the December 2024 election results.
Despite the injunction, Kumi was sworn into Parliament on January 7. His legal team, led by Lawyer Gary Nimako, attempted to overturn the injunction, but their application was dismissed. This prompted the court to issue a bench warrant for Kumi’s arrest on February 19, citing contempt of court and his failure to appear for proceedings.
At the time, the Minority in Parliament strongly criticized the court’s actions, with Second Deputy Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib describing the ruling as harsh and disproportionate.
In Parliament, Mr. Kumi, a first-time legislator in the 9th Parliament, served on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee as well as the House Committee.
A by-election as a result of the death of a member of Parliament shall be taken not less than ten days and not more than thirty days from the date of nomination.
