Hundreds of mourners have gathered at the Akyem Wenchi Durbar Grounds to observe the 40-day memorial of the late Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Yaw Kumi, who passed away just weeks after winning his parliamentary seat.
The solemn event is being attended by leading figures of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), including former Vice President and 2024 NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accompanied by his running mate, former Manhyia South MP Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also made an appearance, joined by a high-profile delegation of party executives and lawmakers such as:
-
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin
-
Former Greater Accra Regional Minister Henry Quartey
-
Okaikwei Central MP Patrick Boamah
-
Ofoase Ayirebi MP Kojo Oppong Nkrumah
-
New Juaben South MP Michael Kofi Okyere Baafi
-
Atiwa East MP Abena Osei Asare
-
Akuapem North MP Sammy Awuku
Party executives including NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua, National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, and National Youth Organiser Salam Mustapha were also present.
Other party stalwarts, such as former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong and former Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong, are expected to join the ceremony later in the day.
Speaking to Channel One TV, NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua described the death of Ernest Kumi as a tragic blow to the party.
“Considering how hard he worked and the challenges he faced—even after winning the election—his passing is a huge loss to the party,” Kodua said. “We are hopeful that on Tuesday, the people of Akwatia will remember the intimidation he endured and reward their son Solomon Asumadu.”
The late MP’s passing has drawn tributes from across the political spectrum, with many describing him as a rising star whose life was cut tragically short.
