Breaking News: Akwatia MP Ernest Kumi Passes Away After Short Illness

Ernest Kumi, the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, has sadly passed away after a short illness, casting a shadow over parliamentary proceedings and dealing a significant blow to the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The news of the MP’s passing was confirmed during a sombre sitting in Parliament on Monday, as MPs paid tribute to their departed colleague. Joy News’ Parliamentary Affairs Correspondent, Kweku Asante, reported a subdued mood in the House, with members visibly shaken by the sudden loss.

■ Legal Battles and Final Days

The 2024-elected first-time MP had been absent from parliamentary duties for several days due to illness. His death comes just weeks after the Supreme Court overturned a contempt conviction stemming from a controversial legal battle over his legitimacy as a lawmaker.

In February 2025, the Koforidua High Court found Mr. Kumi guilty of contempt for defying an interim injunction that barred him from being sworn into Parliament following disputed results in the 2024 general elections. The court issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court and allegedly disregarded the court’s directives.

However, the Supreme Court later quashed the ruling, offering Mr. Kumi a significant legal reprieve and paving the way for his continued service in Parliament—an opportunity tragically cut short by his untimely passing.

■ NPP and Constituency in Shock

Mr. Kumi’s death marks a devastating loss for the NPP, especially in the Eastern Region where he was considered a rising political force. His political journey had been both tumultuous and promising, having fiercely contested and won the Akwatia seat, one of the most hotly contested in the 2024 elections.

Party officials and constituents have expressed grief over the loss, remembering him as a dedicated representative with a passion for development and youth empowerment.

■ What Happens Next?

With his passing, the Akwatia Constituency is expected to head for a by-election, the timing of which will be determined by the Electoral Commission in consultation with Parliament.

As tributes continue to pour in, Parliament and the nation mourn the loss of a young lawmaker whose political promise was cut short just as his career began to gain national attention.