Akwatia, Ghana – July 9, 2025:
In a solemn and respectful ceremony, the leadership of Ghana’s Parliament paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Ernest Yaw Kumi, MP for Akwatia, who passed on Monday, July 7.
The delegation was led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Bagbin and included:
Chief Whips and several cross-party Members of Parliament
Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Majority Leader (National Democratic Congress – NDC)
Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minority Leader (New Patriotic Party – NPP)
🕊️ A Unified Moment of Mourning
The delegation arrived at the family residence in Akwatia with heavy hearts, offering words of comfort, prayers, and official sympathies on behalf of the entire legislature. A brief prayer service was held, after which Speaker Bagbin addressed the gathered mourners.
“The passing of Hon. Ernest Kumi is not only a loss to the people of Akwatia, but to Parliament and the Republic of Ghana. He served his people with passion, and though his time was short, his voice and impact were unmistakable.”
🧑⚖️ Tributes from Both Sides of the Aisle
Hon. Afenyo-Markin, who first informed the House of Kumi’s death during a sitting, described his colleague as a rising star with deep convictions, noting that he had been actively contributing to legislative debates despite being a first-time MP.
Hon. Ato Forson, in his remarks, said the late MP represented the promise of youthful leadership in Ghana and had shown great potential for national service.
🏛️ Parliament Suspends Sitting in His Honour
Following news of his passing, Parliament officially suspended proceedings on Monday, draping Kumi’s seat in red cloth as a sign of mourning. MPs observed a minute of silence, and a book of condolence has since been opened at Parliament House in Accra.
🏠 Family Responds with Gratitude
Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, Kumi’s elder brother, Mr. Solomon Kumi, thanked Parliament for its support, both in word and in presence.
“This gesture has given us strength. We are grateful that Ernest was not only loved here in Akwatia but respected in the highest office of the land.”
🕯️ Next Steps: Funeral Arrangements Underway
The NPP’s Eastern Regional leadership has also visited the family and pledged full support toward the funeral arrangements. Discussions are ongoing between the family, the Office of Parliament, and party leadership regarding a state-assisted funeral, which is customary for sitting Members of Parliament.
🗳️ Political Implications
Kumi’s untimely death has left vacant a critical swing seat in Parliament. A by-election is expected in the coming months. However, leaders on both sides have called for a period of dignified mourning before any campaign activity resumes in the constituency.
Ernest Yaw Kumi, 41, was widely seen as a principled, articulate, and rising voice in Parliament. His legacy will live on—not only through laws and debates but in the hearts of the people he served.
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