Sammi Awuku, the Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, has paid tribute to the late Akwatia MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi.
The MP for Akuapem North lamented that the late Akwatia MP’s brief tenure in parliament was overshadowed by court cases.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One on Monday, July 7, Sammi 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”.
“He never had the benefit of concentrating on his people. Every day, he was being dragged to court. It was very draining for him, and I quite remember one time he said to me; Commander, I am tired”, Sammi Awuku added.
Sammi Awuku further revealed that the late MP had planned to launch a foundation to support the people of Akwatia, but repeated legal challenges delayed its rollout.
Ernest Kumi passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025.
The cause of death for the late Mr Kumi is yet to be officially confirmed.
Ernest Kumi was serving as a first-term member of parliament after his victory in the 2024 elections.
He secured the seat for the NPP in a closely contested election marked by allegations of vote buying, irregularities at some polling stations, with his victory ending up in the court.
The lawmaker’s death comes just weeks after the Supreme Court overturned his contempt conviction related to the disputed 2024 parliamentary election results.
The late Ernest Kumi, in February 2025, was found guilty by the Koforidua High Court after he defied an interim injunction barring him from presenting himself for swearing-in as an MP.
The Koforidua High Court issued a bench warrant for his arrest, alluding to his failure to attend court hearings and his disregard for the court’s authority.