Akufo-Addo Mourns Akwatia MP Ernest Kumi’s Sudden Death at 41, Calls Loss 'Devastating'
Accra, Ghana - 8 July, 2025 - The sudden death of Ernest Yaw Kumi, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Akwatia, has prompted an outpouring of grief across Ghana, with former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo describing the loss as “devastating” in a heartfelt tribute on 7 July 2025.
Kumi, a first-term parliamentarian who died at the age of 41 following a brief illness, was widely regarded as a promising leader whose commitment to his constituency and party ideals left a lasting impression.
In a statement posted on social media, Akufo-Addo expressed deep sorrow, noting that Kumi was “adored and loved” by NPP members and cherished by his constituents in Akwatia, a key swing constituency in Ghana’s Eastern Region.
The former president extended condolences to Kumi’s family, Parliament, and the people of Akwatia, urging resilience during this “unimaginably difficult time” and invoking a prayer for the late MP’s eternal rest.
“The legislator was adored and loved by party faithful and cherished by all who knew or shared acquaintances with him,” Akufo-Addo wrote.
“May he find peaceful rest in the Bosom of the Almighty, until the Last Day of the Resurrection, when we shall all meet again,” the former President added.
The cause of Kumi’s death, reported as cardiac arrest by some sources, has not been officially confirmed by his family or medical authorities, adding to the shock of his passing just days after he appeared healthy in a media interview.
Kumi’s death, announced on the floor of Parliament by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, led to an adjournment of proceedings until 8 July as MPs paid tribute to their colleague.
Afenyo-Markin highlighted Kumi’s academic achievements, including an MBA in Corporate Governance, an LLB, and an MSc in Defence and International Politics, and praised his intellect and vibrant contributions to parliamentary committees on Lands and Natural Resources and the House Committee.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga described Kumi as a “young politician full of promise,” noting his loss as a blow to Ghana’s democratic discourse. A minute of silence was observed, and Kumi’s parliamentary seat was draped in red cloth, a traditional gesture of mourning.
The NPP’s Eastern Regional Executive Committee, in a statement, mourned Kumi as the “Akwatia Star Boy,” a nickname reflecting his popularity and dedication to constituency development. National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, known as Nana B, called the death a “major blow” to the party and Parliament, struggling to accept the loss of a “rising star.”
Tributes also came from across the political divide, with NDC MPs like Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor and Mahama Ayariga lauding Kumi’s warmth and active engagement in the chamber. Social media posts from MPs and constituents echoed these sentiments, with many sharing memories of his humility and service.
Kumi’s journey to Parliament was marked by a fiercely contested election in December 2024, where he secured 19,269 votes to defeat the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Henry Yiadom Boakye, who polled 17,206.
The victory, however, was marred by legal disputes, with the NDC challenging the results. In February 2025, the Koforidua High Court issued an injunction barring Kumi from being sworn in and later convicted him of contempt for defying the order, prompting a bench warrant for his arrest.
On 11 June 2025, the Supreme Court overturned the contempt conviction and injunction, affirming Kumi’s legitimacy as MP just weeks before his death.
