Parliament was thrown into mourning on Monday, July 7, 2025, following the sudden death of the Member of Parliament for the Akwatia Constituency, Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi. The 41-year-old first-time legislator, who represented the New Patriotic Party (NPP), reportedly passed away over the weekend after actively participating in parliamentary business days prior.
Breaking the news to the House, Minority Leader Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin described the passing of their colleague as a devastating blow to the Minority Caucus and the entire legislature.
“One of us has been summoned to the Parliament above,” he said with deep emotion. “Mr. Speaker, the member was seen over the weekend hale and hearty… This member is a young politician from the Eastern Region, in his first term in this chamber, who carried with him a promise to contribute to the discourse of this democratic enterprise.”
Hon. Afenyo-Markin paid glowing tribute to the late MP, highlighting his academic accomplishments, including three second degrees—an MBA in Corporate Governance, an LLB, and an MSc in Defence and International Politics—and his previous work as a security manager. He praised his humility, work ethic, and non-controversial nature, describing him as a model colleague who embodied the spirit of Ghana’s parliamentary prayer: “a country of righteousness where none shall wrong his neighbor.”
In an emotional moment, he called on the House to adjourn its sitting in honour of the deceased, saying: “Mr. Speaker, the NPP Minority Caucus of 88 members is regrettably now 87. It is the prayer of this side that today’s proceedings be terminated as we observe a minute of silence in his honor.”
The Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mahama Ayariga, supported the request for adjournment, also expressing profound sadness over the tragic development.
“Definitely, this is one of the saddest days of this House,” he remarked. “He was full of promise, very studious and energetic… He believed in democracy and participated effectively. At just a little over 40 years, his life and political career were just beginning.”
Hon. Ayariga lamented the national loss, noting that the late MP could have risen to occupy greater leadership positions in the country. “We may never know what we have missed by losing him so early in his political career,” he said.
The Speaker of Parliament subsequently directed the House to observe a minute of silence in honour of Hon. Ernest Kumi, after which proceedings were adjourned to allow members time to grieve and regroup.
Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi was elected in the 2024 general elections and was serving his first term in Parliament. He is survived by his wife and children.
Source: Clement Akoloh||parliamentnews360.com
