Eugene Opoku-Acheampong, uncle and constituency secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Akwatia, has publicly alleged that the death of his nephew, Ernest Kumi, the Member of Parliament for Akwatia Constituency, was not due to natural causes. Speaking on Movement TV on July 8, 2025, Opoku-Acheampong claimed Kumi was a victim of a “spiritually orchestrated attack” stemming from envy over his parliamentary seat.
Opoku-Acheampong asserted that discussions about a by-election to replace Kumi were already underway while the MP was still alive, indicating a pre-meditated effort to remove him from office. “We will leave it to God, but one thing I would like to say is that Ernest Yaw Kumi didn’t die a natural death. God didn’t call him; someone is behind his death. I am telling you plainly that he didn’t die a natural death,” he emphasized. He further stated that these discussions were an “open secret” in Akwatia, with many aware of the rumors.
Ernest Yaw Kumi, a first-time NPP MP for Akwatia, passed away on July 7, 2025, after a short illness. His brief tenure was marked by significant legal challenges. Kumi had recently been involved in a high-profile legal battle concerning the legitimacy of his election in the fiercely contested December 2024 general elections. The Akwatia seat, located in the Eastern Region, was a major battleground.
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Just weeks before his death, on June 11, 2025, the Supreme Court overturned his contempt conviction related to the disputed 2024 parliamentary election results. Earlier, in February 2025, the Koforidua High Court had found Kumi guilty of contempt for defying an interim injunction that barred him from presenting himself for swearing-in as an MP. A bench warrant had been issued for his arrest due to his failure to attend court hearings and alleged disregard for the court’s authority.
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Sammi Awuku, MP for Akuapem North and a colleague, paid tribute to the late Kumi, describing his time in Parliament as “marred by relentless litigation” that prevented him from fully serving his constituents. In an interview on Channel One Newsroom on July 7, Awuku stated, “I can tell you for a fact that the gentleman was just stressed. Today, it is the High Court undermining his victory, and pulling him to the High Court. The next day, they are pulling him to the Supreme Court. My brother did not even enjoy the benefit of serving his people with a clean conscience and a clear mind.”
Awuku also revealed that Kumi had confided plans to launch a foundation to support the people of Akwatia, but these plans were delayed due to the ongoing legal challenges. Kumi’s passing has left a void in both the NPP and the Parliament of Ghana, with colleagues remembering him as a fighter who remained committed to his duties despite the hurdles. As a tribute, the First Deputy Minority Whip, Habib Iddrisu, draped Kumi’s seat in red cloth in Parliament.
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