In a rare show of unity and solemnity, Ghana’s Parliament on Monday set aside its official business to pay emotional tribute to Ernest Yaw Kumi, the late Member of Parliament for Akwatia, whose sudden death has left a gaping hole in the hearts of colleagues across the political divide.
Kumi, who was serving his first term on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), was eulogized as a rising star with a bright future in national leadership. His passing, which was formally announced on the Floor of the House by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, sent shockwaves through the chamber.
“Mr Speaker,” Afenyo-Markin began, his voice heavy with emotion, “one of us has been summoned to the Parliament above.” He described the late MP as a vibrant, diligent, and intellectually gifted parliamentarian who had earned the quiet respect of both sides of the House.
“He was never controversial, never disrespectful. He lived the prayer of this House—a country of righteousness, where none shall wrong his neighbour,” the Minority Leader added, reflecting on the deceased’s short but impactful tenure.
Kumi’s sudden death was all the more painful for colleagues who had seen him active in committee engagements just days before. The circumstances of his passing—unexpected and devoid of any prior illness—deepened the atmosphere of mourning, with MPs visibly shaken during the tributes.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga echoed the sentiments of loss, describing Kumi as “full of promise—promise in intellect, promise in youth, promise in energy.” He noted that the Akwatia lawmaker was not only an asset to his party but also a promising national figure whose contributions to Ghana’s democracy had only begun.
Born with a keen academic appetite, the late Kumi held three postgraduate degrees, including an MBA in Corporate Governance, an LLB, and an MSc in Defence and International Politics—credentials that set him apart as a technocrat-politician poised for greater service.
Despite his calm and collaborative demeanour, Kumi had recently made headlines due to a legal controversy surrounding his election. He had been convicted of contempt by the Koforidua High Court for taking the parliamentary oath while under an interim injunction. The Supreme Court, however, later quashed the conviction, citing procedural errors and affirming his right to fair hearing—a victory that restored his image and affirmed judicial fairness.
Even in controversy, colleagues said, Kumi displayed composure, respect for the rule of law, and faith in the democratic process.
A minute of silence was observed in his honour, with MPs bowing their heads in reflection and grief. The late MP leaves behind a grieving family—his wife and children—and a constituency still reeling from the loss of a representative they had only just begun to know.
As Parliament resumes its regular proceedings, the memory of Ernest Yaw Kumi, the “Akwatia Star Boy,” will linger as a reminder of youthful promise, quiet strength, and a life of service tragically cut short.
