Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and leaders of the Minority Caucus in Parliament paid a solemn visit to the Spintex residence of the late Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, to mourn with his family and offer their condolences.
The 41-year-old first-term MP’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through the political community and reignited national reflection on the pressures of public life. Dr Bawumia, visibly emotional and clad in black, recalled his final meeting with the late MP just days prior to his passing.
“I am still in shock. He visited me on Friday, July 4, and showed no signs of illness. Ernest was more than a colleague; he was a dear friend who always stood by me. We often spoke about his legal battles and how to navigate them,” Bawumia said in Akan after signing the book of condolence.
Kumi’s death came barely a day after returning from a political engagement in Takoradi. Family spokesperson and former Denkyembour DCE, Seth Ofosu Birikorang, narrated the timeline of events leading to the tragedy. According to him, the late MP, who had travelled to support a colleague’s programme at Takoradi Technical University, was rushed to Lister Hospital early Monday morning with complaints of chest pains.
“By 8:30 a.m., he was unresponsive despite all medical interventions,” Mr Birikorang recounted emotionally. “I tried everything to wake him… he was gone.”
Ernest Kumi’s passing comes in the wake of a major legal battle contesting his December 2024 parliamentary victory. Although recently cleared of contempt by the Supreme Court, the strain of public scrutiny and political pressure was apparent.
The mourning was joined by an influential contingent of New Patriotic Party figures, including Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Deputy Leader Patricia Appeagyei, Chief Whips Frank Annor-Dompreh and Habib Iddrisu, and former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, and former Minister Titus Glover were also present.
Afenyo-Markin, who announced the death in Parliament on July 7, led a tribute that described Kumi as “a promising leader whose life was tragically cut short.” In Parliament, his seat has since been draped in red cloth—a visual marker of loss and mourning.
The bereaved family revealed that preparations are underway to formally inform Kumi’s extended royal family in Akyem Wenchi. A date for the one-week observance will be communicated after consultations.
As tributes pour in from across the political divide, Ernest Yaw Kumi is being remembered not only for his political rise but for the personal connections he built in a short but impactful career. His sudden death has left his party, constituents, and loved ones grappling with unanswered questions and a profound sense of loss.
