A pall of sorrow descended upon Parliament Monday as news broke of the sudden passing of Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi, the Member of Parliament for Akwatia.
The 41-year-old legislator’s death, just seven months into his first term, sent shockwaves through the political landscape, prompting an immediate adjournment of parliamentary proceedings.
The grim announcement, which had already spread on social and traditional media, was delivered on the floor of the House by Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, who, visibly emotional, expressed profound grief over the loss of his young colleague.
“Mr. Speaker, one of us has been summoned to the Parliament above. This member was a young politician from the Eastern Region, in his first term in this chamber, carrying with him a promise to contribute to the discourse of our democratic enterprise,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
Hon. Kumi was reportedly in good health over the weekend, actively participating in parliamentary committee work, making his sudden demise all the more shocking to his colleagues.
The Minority Leader fondly recalled his vibrant personality: “He was always there, happy and vibrant. No one can ever say that in his few months in this chamber, he was controversial or wronged colleagues. He lived the prayer of this house – a country of righteousness where none shall wrong his neighbor.”
A rising star within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Hon. Kumi was a highly accomplished individual, boasting three postgraduate degrees: an MBA in Corporate Governance, an LLB, and an MSc in Defense and International Politics. His intellect and diligence were widely recognized, marking him as a promising figure in Ghanaian politics. On behalf of the NPP Minority Caucus, Afenyo-Markin extended heartfelt condolences to Hon. Kumi’s bereaved family and the people of Akwatia.
Joining in the widespread mourning, Majority Leader Hon. Mahama Ayariga addressed the House, his voice shaking with emotion. “Mr. Speaker, definitely, this is one of the saddest days of this House,” Ayariga remarked, admitting his initial disbelief at the reports. “When I first saw the reports, I didn’t believe it. I just thought it was one of those social media rumors. But then I saw it confirmed by Joy News and other credible platforms. I was truly saddened.”
Ayariga lauded Hon. Kumi’s intellectual prowess and unwavering drive, lamenting his loss as a severe blow to the nation. “He was full of promise – promise for the store of knowledge, promise for the store of energy this House needs to sustain itself. To be taken away in the prime of his life is not only a loss to Akwatia, but to Ghana as a whole.”
In a show of unity and respect, both leaders called for the immediate adjournment of parliamentary business to honor the fallen legislator. The Speaker granted the request after the House observed a minute of silence for Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi, who leaves behind a wife and children.
Though his time in Parliament was brief, his legacy as a diligent and promising leader is said to have made a lasting impact on Ghana’s legislative landscape.