Parliament was thrown into mourning on Monday following the shocking news of the sudden death of the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi.
The grim announcement was delivered on the floor of the House by Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, who expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the young legislator.
He said, “Mr. Speaker, one of us has been summoned to the Parliament above. This member was a young politician from the Eastern Region, in his first term in this chamber, carrying with him a promise to contribute to the discourse of our democratic enterprise.”
The Akwatia MP, aged 41, was said to be in good health over the weekend, participating actively in parliamentary committee work. His passing, therefore, came as a profound shock to colleagues.
“He was always there, happy and vibrant,” the Minority Leader recalled. “No one can ever say that in his few months in this chamber, he was controversial or wronged colleagues. He lived the prayer of this house—a country of righteousness where none shall wrong his neighbor.”
Hon. Kumi, a rising star in the New Patriotic Party (NPP), held three postgraduate degrees—an MBA in Corporate Governance, an LLB, and an MSc in Defense and International Politics. He was widely regarded
He was widely regarded as a diligent and promising legislator.
On behalf of the NPP Minority Caucus, Afenyo-Markin extended condolences to the MP’s family and constituents. “Speaker, I am through this medium expressing, on behalf of the caucus, condolences to the bereaved family and to the people of Akwatia who found him worthy of their trust.”
Joining in mourning, Majority Leader Hon. Mahama Ayariga also addressed the House.
“Mr. Speaker, definitely, this is one of the saddest days of this house,” Ayariga stated. “When I first saw the reports, I didn’t believe it. I just thought it was one of those social media rumors. But then I saw it confirmed by Joy News and other credible platforms. I was truly saddened.”
He praised Hon. Kumi’s intellect and drive, calling his loss a “terrible blow.”
“He was full of promise—promise for the store of knowledge, promise for the store of energy this House needs to sustain itself. To be taken away in the prime of his life is not only a loss to Akwatia, but to Ghana as a whole.”
Both leaders called for the adjournment of parliamentary business in honor of the late MP. The House also observed a minute silence for the fallen MP.
Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi leaves behind a wife and children. He served only seven months in Parliament following his election in the 2024 general elections. His legacy, though brief, leaves a lasting impact on Ghana’s legislative landscape.
