The Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has passed away. Sources close to the family and party confirmed that Mr. Kumi died on Monday, July 7, 2025, though the cause of death remains undisclosed. Both Parliament and the NPP are yet to issue official statements or funeral announcements.
Mr. Kumi was serving his first term in Parliament, having secured the Akwatia seat during the fiercely contested December 2024 general elections—a race marred by allegations of electoral irregularities, vote-buying, and subsequent legal battles.
Akwatia’s Legal Drama
Following the 2024 polls, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) contested Mr. Kumi’s victory at the Koforidua High Court, alleging electoral malpractices. The court, presided over by Justice Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe, placed an interim injunction on Mr. Kumi, barring him from presenting himself as MP or participating in parliamentary activities.
Tensions escalated when Kumi allegedly defied the injunction, leading to a contempt of court ruling and the issuance of a bench warrant for his arrest.
Supreme Court Victory
However, on June 11, 2025, just weeks before his passing, the Supreme Court overturned the High Court’s contempt ruling and barred Justice Amedahe from sentencing him. Mr. Kumi’s legal team, led by NPP’s Director of Legal Affairs Gary Nimako-Marfo, successfully argued that the High Court lacked jurisdiction since the Electoral Commission had not published the required gazette notification for the Akwatia results.
The Supreme Court also ruled that Mr. Kumi’s contempt conviction, bench warrant, and interim injunction were invalid, fully reinstating his position as MP.
Final Days and Legacy
Mr. Kumi’s short but eventful tenure was marked by controversy and court battles, with his supporters hailing his legal victory as a vindication. Following the Supreme Court’s decision, NPP officials celebrated his triumph, with party communicator Kwame Owiredu declaring that Kumi remained “the validly elected MP for Akwatia.”
His sudden death, coming barely a month after his legal troubles were resolved, has shocked many in the political space.
Further details on funeral arrangements and by-election procedures are expected in the coming days.
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