The Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, has died from a heart attack on Monday, July 7, 2025. His passing comes after a highly contested election and ongoing legal disputes over the legitimacy of his parliamentary seat.
Mr. Kumi won the Akwatia seat in the December 2024 general elections, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP). However, his victory was marred by allegations of vote buying, irregularities, and legal disputes. The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) challenged Kumi’s election in court, which led to an interim injunction preventing him from holding himself out as MP and participating in parliamentary activities.
In a significant legal victory, the Supreme Court quashed a contempt conviction and barred Justice Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe from proceeding with any sentencing. The court’s decision followed a judicial review application filed by Kumi, arguing that the High Court had no jurisdiction to hear the election petition due to the absence of a gazette notification of the parliamentary results.
“As we speak now, Hon. Ernest Kumi remains the elected and valid MP for Akwatia. Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi is as free as a bird. He’s a free man, and he will continue his good works as an MP for the good people of Akwatia,” said NPP communicator Kwame Owiredu after the Supreme Court ruling.
Kumi’s legal team presented three key arguments:
- Jurisdictional Error: The High Court judge committed a jurisdictional error by assuming jurisdiction without the gazette notification.
- Breach of Natural Justice: The judge breached natural justice rules by proceeding with the contempt application despite Kumi’s pending motion.
- Judicial Bias: The judge showed bias and prejudice against Kumi.
The Supreme Court granted Kumi’s application, clearing him of all legal encumbrances and affirming his legitimacy as MP. Kumi’s passing has left a void in the Akwatia constituency, and a by-election is expected to fill the vacant seat.
