NPP MP for Akwatia Ernest Kumi dies at 40 after short illness

Ernest Yaw Kumi, the Member of Parliament for Akwatia in the Eastern Region, has died at the age of 40. His death occurred on Monday, July 7, 2025, following a short illness. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed, but multiple reports confirm the news. MyJoyOnline notes that the first-time MP was seen in Parliament just last week, underscoring the sudden nature of his passing.

Hon Ernest Kumi was elected on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 general elections. His untimely death is being described as a significant blow to both the NPP and the Parliament of Ghana, where his contributions and expertise were just beginning to take root.

The late MP was at the centre of a recent legal controversy that drew national attention. In February 2025, the Koforidua High Court found him guilty of contempt for defying an interim injunction that barred him from participating in the swearing-in of MPs. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to appear before the court. His legal team argued that he was attending to parliamentary duties, but the presiding judge rejected this explanation.

However, just weeks before his death, on June 11, the Supreme Court overturned his conviction in a 4-1 majority ruling. The apex court not only quashed the contempt ruling but also lifted the injunction that had initially barred him from functioning as MP. Additionally, the Supreme Court granted his request to prohibit High Court Justice Emmanuel Senyo from proceeding with sentencing.

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Kumi’s legal ordeal stemmed from disputes surrounding the 2024 parliamentary election results for Akwatia, which he won amid controversy. The Supreme Court’s decision was seen by his supporters as a vindication of his mandate.

Following news of his death, messages of condolence have begun pouring in from across the country, with many expressing shock and sympathy for his family and constituents. His passing leaves a vacant seat in Parliament and marks the sudden end of a political career that had only just begun.