Akwatia MP Ernest Kumi is Dead

Ernest Yaw Kumi, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Akwatia in the Eastern Region, has been confirmed dead.

The cause of death of the 40-year-old one-term MP is yet to be disclosed by the family.

The Eastern Regional Executive Committee of the NPP, in a brief statement shortly after the demise of the MP, expressed its condolences to the family and the members of the constituency.

The Executives described the late Kumi as “a dedicated public servant whose commitment to the development of Akwatia and the ideals of the NPP was unwavering”.

“We extend our deepest condolences to his immediate family, the chiefs and people of the Akwatia Constituency, and the entire NPP fraternity across the country. May the soul of our beloved brother and compatriot rest in perfect peace. Akwatia Star Boy nante yie,” they added.

The death of Mr Kumi comes just weeks after the Supreme Court overturned his contempt conviction related to the disputed 2024 parliamentary election results.

Background

Mr Kumi was convicted of contempt on February 19, 2025, after allegedly defying an interim injunction that barred his swearing-in as MP.

The injunction stemmed from an election petition filed at the Koforidua High Court.

In response, Mr Kumi filed an application for certiorari and prohibition at the Supreme Court in February, seeking to overturn the conviction and nullify the ongoing proceedings.

His legal counsel, Gary Nimako Marfo, argued that the High Court lacked jurisdiction, as the Electoral Commission had not published the gazette notification of the Akwatia parliamentary election results at the time the petition was filed.

The legal team also accused the High Court judge of bias and procedural unfairness, citing breaches of natural justice, including the refusal to grant an audience to Kumi’s counsel on technical grounds.

Grounds for the Supreme Court Application

Mr. Kumi’s application was anchored on three primary grounds:

1. The High Court judge acted outside his jurisdiction by entertaining an election petition filed before official results were gazetted.

2. The contempt hearing proceeded unlawfully despite a pending motion challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

3. The judge demonstrated bias by denying the applicant legal representation over procedural technicalities.

Based on these arguments, Mr. Kumi sought six reliefs, including:

• A declaration that the election petition was null and void.

• A reversal of the contempt conviction and related rulings

• An order prohibiting the High Court judge from continuing with the sentencing process.