Accra: Ernest Yaw Kumi, a Ghanaian politician and Member of Parliament for Akwatia in the Eastern Region, has passed away at age 40. The first-time MP, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), won his seat in the December 2024 parliamentary election. Born on December 5, 1984, in Akim Wenchi, Kumi was a Christian who had recently completed his law exams.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Seth Ofosu, a former Akwatia District Chief Executive, disclosed that Kumi was taken to Lister Hospital at 2 am due to chest pains. Despite medical efforts, Kumi was pronounced dead at 10 am on Monday. His body has been placed at Lashibi Funeral Home. His death was officially confirmed by Minority Leader Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin in Accra during a session in Parliament.
Osahen Afenyo-Markin noted that Kumi appeared to be in good health over the weekend, even participating in parliamentary committee work. His unexpected death has left his colleagues in shock. The House honored him by observing a minute of silence.
Kumi's educational background was diverse and impressive. He held a Bachelor of Science in Ports and Shipping Administration from Regional Maritime University (2009), a Master of Business Administration in Corporate Governance from the University of Professional Studies (2014), a Bachelor of Laws from Mountcrest University College (2019), and a Master of Science in Defence and International Politics from Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (2022).
Before entering politics, Kumi was a Senior Manager at American Tower Corporation. In Parliament, he served on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee and spoke on issues such as bush fires in Northern Ghana, sanitation challenges, and social justice.
Kumi's tenure was not without controversy. The Supreme Court recently overturned a contempt conviction from the Koforidua High Court related to his election. He had been accused of defying an interim injunction that prevented him from being sworn in as MP-elect due to an ongoing legal dispute.
Despite these challenges, Kumi was remembered as an astute politician and peacemaker. Eastern Regional Chairman of the NPP, Jeff Konadu Addo, and Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga both praised him for his intellect and potential contributions to Ghana's democratic enterprise. Kumi is survived by his wife and children, and his passing is considered a significant loss to both Akwatia and the nation.
