Parliament was, on Monday, 7 July 2025, gripped with shock and sorrow following the sudden death of Akwatia MP Ernest Yaw Kumi.

 

Addressing the House in a sombre tone, Minority Leader and Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin paid a glowing tribute to the late legislator.

Acknowledging that the passing of the 40-year-old MP was a major blow to Parliament, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the nation, Afenyo-Markin added, “God knows best.”

 

“I just checked the background of this young man. Born in 1984, he pursued his first degree and, according to public records, went on to attain three additional degrees: an MBA in Corporate Governance, an LLB in Law, and an MSc in Defence and International Politics. He had previously served as a security manager and was proud to join this chamber,” he said.

 

Despite his brief tenure in Parliament, colleagues commended him for his diligence, humility, and unwavering sense of duty.

 

“Mr. Speaker, a lot can be said. But I would want us to relive the credentials he brought to this House. His records both in plenary and at the committee level are profound, though sadly not widely known,” Afenyo-Markin noted.

The Minority Leader, often known for his spirited debates, paused in near silence as he honoured the legacy of a man he described as “a brother.”

“This brother had all that anyone would want to have in a brother. Mr. Speaker, he lived the prayer of this House — I quote: ‘a country of righteousness where none shall wrong his neighbour.’ No one can ever say that, in his few months in this chamber, he was controversial or wronged a colleague,” he stated.

Kumi, he added softly, was a quiet presence who brought joy to the workplace. “He was always there — seeing him every day, happy.”

“Mr. Speaker, this House is aware that we had programmed a number of items for today. It is the prayer of this side of the House, the NPP Minority Caucus of 88 — now, regrettably, 87 — to seek the indulgence of the Leader of the House that today’s proceedings be terminated,” he requested.

Just a few months into his first term, the MP’s passing has left a void in the chamber and in the hearts of many after what colleagues described as a promising, principled entry into public service.