By Daniel Bampoe
Over the weekend, the township of Akyem-Wenchi was plunged into state of mourning as tears flowed at the funeral of Ernest Yaw Kumi, the late MP of Akwatia Constituency of the Eastern Region.
The members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament shed tears when filing pass the mortal remains of their colleague MP who shockingly died on 7 July 2025.
Colleagues, party members, and constituents described his death as a profound loss not only to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) but also to the nation’s democratic process.
His funeral took place at Akyem-Wenchi, where hundreds of people gathered at his residence to mourn him.
The event was heavily attended by the Members of the NPP Members of Parliament led by the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei and Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh including Members of the National Democratic Congress, such as Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of GoldBod among others.
The former Second Lady, Samira Bawumia also attended the funeral to mourn with the Late Ernest Kumi’s family as a friend to her husband, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
Reading a tribute on behalf of the Minority, Frank Annoh-Dompreh said Ernest Yaw Kumi, who took his parliamentary oath on 7 January 2025, had swiftly established himself as a diligent legislator.
Serving on the Lands and Natural Resources Committee and contributing to several other parliamentary assignments, Ernest Kumi was known for his clarity, insight, and unwavering commitment to public service.
Despite the challenges of political life—including heckling and repeated interruptions on the parliamentary floor—he maintained a demeanor of calm authority, earning respect from allies and opponents alike.
He explained that the path that led Ernest Kumi to Parliament was marked by resilience and determination.
He first contested the 2020 general elections but narrowly lost amid internal party disagreements. Undeterred, he won the NPP parliamentary primaries in 2024 and secured a decisive victory in the general elections later that year.
He added that, even when his win was legally challenged, Ernest Kumi remained steadfast, demonstrating faith in the judicial process and the rule of law.
His colleagues decribed him as a fighter—principled, courageous, and committed to justice.
“His life itself becomes a message to us: Do not give up. Do not fear the overbearing majority. Stand firm, for truth, discipline, and courage will always prevail,” the caucus stated. Beyond parliamentary proceedings, Kumi was admired for his availability, selflessness, and readiness to support colleagues in any capacity, including assisting in constituency campaigns and mentoring younger politicians.
Ernest Kumi’s impact extended beyond politics. His contributions to Akwatia’s communities were tangible: he facilitated the construction of an ultra-modern ICT center at Boadua Presby Primary School, built the Okumaning town bridge to improve access for surrounding communities, enhanced local telecom connectivity, and supported youth employment initiatives.
He also provided financial assistance for students’ education, medical bills, and other community needs. These acts reflected his commitment to service and his belief that leadership is defined by action, not words alone.
Family, friends, and political leaders paid moving tributes.
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in a tribute expressed his shock, recalling Kumi’s vitality and unwavering loyalty.
“You were one of my most loyal friends and supporters… We are consoled by the fact that you are in a better place,” he said. The NPP Minority Caucus also reassured Kumi’s family of continued support, emphasizing that his legacy of courage, integrity, and dedication would remain a guiding light.
