By Daniel Bampoe
The Eastern Regional branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a strong denial of claims circulating on social media suggesting that Mavis Kumi, widow of the late Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Kumi, is preparing to contest her husband’s vacant parliamentary seat.
In a press release signed by Eastern Regional Chairman Jeff Konadu Addo on Tuesday, July 15, the Party described the viral flyer promoting Mrs. Kumi’s alleged candidacy as “false, misleading, and deserving of utter contempt.”
According to the Party, the widely circulated image appears to have been fabricated without the consent or involvement of Mrs. Kumi or any official NPP structure.
The statement emphasized that Mrs. Kumi has personally and consistently communicated to the Party her decision not to enter politics, particularly not at this time when she is still in mourning.
Period of Grief, Not Politics
Ernest Kumi, the MP for Akwatia, passed away unexpectedly two weeks ago, plunging the Akwatia constituency and the Party into mourning.
Since his passing, there has been speculation regarding potential successors to his seat, which will be subject to a by-election in accordance with Ghana’s electoral laws.
Amid the speculation, a flyer emerged online purporting that Mrs. Kumi intended to join the race—a move which quickly sparked debate among party members and the public.
However, NPP leadership in the region has firmly shut down these rumours.
“We have been in direct contact with Mrs. Mavis Kumi and her immediate family. She has made it clear that she is not interested in contesting for the Akwatia seat or pursuing any political engagement at this time,” the statement reiterated.
Appeal for Respect
The NPP Regional Chairman called for empathy and restraint, stressing the importance of allowing the bereaved family the space to grieve.
“Her current focus, as any grieving wife would understandably desire, is to mourn her husband with dignity and in peace,” the statement noted.
The Party also condemned the circulation of false political materials during such a sensitive time, cautioning against acts that might exacerbate the pain of those in mourning.
“Misinformation of this nature only adds pain to an already grieving family, and such conduct must be strongly discouraged,” it warned.
Ernest Kumi was remembered in the release as a “committed patriot and loyal servant of our Party and the people of Akwatia.”
The Party called for his memory to be preserved in truth and respect, urging members and the public not to exploit his passing for political speculation.
The statement closed with a plea for continued prayers and support for the Kumi family, urging unity, integrity, and sensitivity within the Party as preparations for the upcoming by-election unfold.
While the NPP has not yet opened nominations for the Akwatia seat, insiders suggest the process may be formally announced in the coming weeks.
For now, Party leaders say their immediate priority remains the well-being of the late MP’s family and a dignified transition for the constituency he served.
