Ernest Kumi Died Without Enjoying MP Benefits; He Never Got a Month to Serve – Sammy Awuku
Sammy Awuku recounts how legal battles denied Ernest Kumi peace and service before his sudden death.
- Sammy Awuku says Ernest Kumi never enjoyed any MP benefits before his death.
- The late MP was dragged through court battles by the NDC and barely served a month
- Awuku recalls sharing jokes with Kumi in Parliament shortly before his passing
The sudden death of Akwatia MP Ernest Kumi has sparked deep sorrow across the political divide, with his colleague, Sammy Awuku, MP for Akwatia North, describing the loss as heartbreaking and untimely.
Speaking on Lawson TV/Radio Ghana Se Sen Show on Monday morning, July 8, 2025 — a day after the news broke — Sammy Awuku recalled the difficult journey Kumi faced following his election, describing how he was “dragged here and there to court by the NDC” in a prolonged legal battle that shadowed his brief tenure.
“He didn’t even get one month to serve his people. He incurred cost throughout and never got any benefit since he became MP,” Awuku lamented.
Hon. Awuku, who shared a personal bond with the late MP, painted a vivid picture of Kumi’s presence in Parliament.
“He was sitting right behind me in Parliament — we shared jokes, discussed business, and had great conversations. I remember him saying he was tired of the way the NDC was dragging him to court every day, but he never gave up. He kept hoping for peace so he could serve his people. He never imagined he would leave us so soon.”
Reflecting on their campaign journey, Awuku shared a lighter memory: “In 2020, I campaigned for him in Akwatia and gave him the nickname ‘Akwatia Starboy’ because he was very handsome — truly a star for his people.”
With emotion in his voice, Awuku added: “A bright flower has been plucked at an unexpected time.”
He also announced that the leadership of the New Patriotic Party would be visiting the bereaved family later this morning.
He said the delegation would be followed by former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament, who are also expected to pay their respects.
The death of Ernest Kumi, a first-time MP, comes just weeks after the Supreme Court overturned a contempt conviction that had resulted from his defiance of a court injunction following the 2024 parliamentary elections.
His passing has been described as a painful loss not only to the NPP and Parliament, but also to the people of Akwatia who had hoped to benefit from his service.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced, as the family requests privacy in this period of mourning.
