Accra: Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the leadership of the Minority Caucus in Parliament visited the residence of the late Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, to express their condolences to the bereaved family. The gathering took place at the family's home located on Spintex Road in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Bawumia, who was dressed in black, signed a book of condolence in honor of the late MP. He expressed shock at the sudden passing of Ernest Yaw Kumi, stating that he had recently engaged in a conversation with him at his Accra residence on Friday, July 4, 2025, and had observed no signs of illness or discomfort. Dr. Bawumia shared that Ernest was a close friend and had supported him during election campaigns. He extended his deepest condolences to the family and promised that both he and the New Patriotic Party would participate fully in the upcoming one-week observance and final funeral rites.
The family is in the process of setting a date for the one-week observance. A family spokesperson revealed that Ernest Yaw Kumi was from Akyem Wenchi in the Eastern Region and was a member of the royal family. The nuclear family based in Accra plans to travel to his hometown to officially announce his passing to the family head.
Mr. Seth Ofosu Birikorang, a former District Chief Executive for Denkyembour District, provided Dr. Bawumia and his delegation with details regarding the circumstances leading to Ernest Yaw Kumi's death. Mr. Birikorang recalled traveling with the late MP from Takoradi to Accra, where he disembarked at Awoshie Junction on Sunday evening, July 6. The following morning, he received an urgent call from the MP's wife, informing him of Ernest's admission at Lister Hospital with chest pains. Despite medical efforts, Ernest was pronounced dead after failing to respond to treatment.
Several Members of Parliament and party officials, including Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Patricia Appeagyei, Frank Annor-Dompreh, and Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, were present at the residence to offer their condolences.
The death of Ernest Yaw Kumi was officially announced in Parliament by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. Ernest, who was 41 years old, was in his first term as an MP and had been involved in a legal dispute concerning his election's legitimacy. The Supreme Court had recently overturned his contempt conviction related to the 2024 parliamentary elections. Following the announcement of his death, Mr. Habib Iddrisu, the first deputy Minority Chief Whip, draped Mr. Kumi's parliamentary seat with red cloth as a mark of mourning.
