- Ernest Yaw Kumi, MP for Akwatia, died suddenly on July 7, 2025
- Alexander Afenyo-Markin described the 40-year-old as a "brother" and exemplary MP
- Kumi held four academic degrees and previously worked as a security manager
Parliament was struck with grief on Monday, July 7, 2025, following the unexpected death of Ernest Yaw Kumi, Member of Parliament for Akwatia.
In a deeply emotional address to the House, Minority Leader and Effutu MP, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, paid tribute to the late MP, describing his passing as a profound loss to Parliament, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the nation as a whole.
“God knows best,” Afenyo-Markin said solemnly, reflecting on the untimely demise of the 40-year-old first-term legislator.
He recounted Kumi’s academic and professional achievements, noting that he had earned four degrees, including an MBA in Corporate Governance, an LLB in Law, and an MSc in Defence and International Politics. Before entering politics, he had served as a security manager and proudly joined Parliament to serve his country.
Though his time in Parliament was brief, Kumi was widely respected for his humility, commitment, and quiet diligence.
“His contributions in both plenary and committee work were substantial, even if not widely publicized,” Afenyo-Markin noted. In an uncharacteristically subdued moment, the usually fiery Minority Leader described Kumi as “a brother” and a man who lived out the values enshrined in Parliament’s opening prayer — a symbol of peace, integrity, and respect.
“He never courted controversy. He never wronged a colleague. He simply brought joy and calm to this chamber,” he said.
Reflecting the emotional weight of the moment, Afenyo-Markin requested that the day’s proceedings be suspended in honour of their fallen colleague. “The NPP Minority Caucus, which stood at 88, now stands at 87,” he added, his voice filled with sorrow.
Just months into his first term, Ernest Yaw Kumi’s passing leaves a lasting void, with fellow MPs remembering him as a principled, promising public servant whose legacy, though brief, will be cherished.
