Accra: Former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has expressed his condolences following the passing of Ernest Yaw Kumi, the Member of Parliament for Akwatia in the Eastern Region. In a social media post, Dr. Bawumia shared his sadness over the news, stating, “I have received with sadness the passing of Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi, MP Akwatia Constituency. Ernest was a loyal patriot. My condolences to the immediate family. May his soul rest in peace.”

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Kumi, aged 41, was serving his first term as an MP and had recently been involved in a legal battle regarding the legitimacy of his election during the December 7, 2024, parliamentary polls. The Supreme Court had recently overturned his contempt conviction by a Koforidua High Court concerning the elections.

The announcement of Mr. Kumi’s death was made on the floor of Parliament on Monday, July 7, 2025. Following the announcement, Mr. Habib Iddrisu, the First Deputy Minority Chief Whip, marked the occasion by draping Mr. Kumi’s seat in Parliament with a red cloth, a traditional sign of mourning.