Senior figures of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gathered Friday at the Akyem Wenchi Durbar Grounds to mark the 40-day observance for the late Ernest Yaw Kumi, Member of Parliament for Akwatia, whose sudden passing continues to send ripples through the political establishment.
Leading the delegation was former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, alongside former Vice President and 2024 NPP presidential candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Dr. Bawumia was accompanied by his running mate, former Manhyia South MP Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh.
The memorial drew hundreds of mourners and a notable presence of party stalwarts. Among those in attendance were Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, former Greater Accra Regional Minister Henry Quartey, and several Members of Parliament including Kojo Oppong Nkrumah (Ofoase Ayirebi), Patrick Boamah (Okaikwei Central), Michael Okyere Baafi (New Juaben South), Abena Osei Asare (Atewa East), and Sammy Awudu (Akuapem North).
NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua, National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye, and National Youth Organiser Salam Mustapha were also present, underscoring the gravity of the loss within party ranks.
Additional dignitaries, including former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong and former Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong, were expected to attend the solemn event.
Mr.Kumi, who died just weeks after winning the Akwatia parliamentary seat, was remembered as a dedicated party loyalist who overcame significant challenges in his political career. His death has been widely described as both tragic and untimely.
Speaking to Channel One TV, NPP General Secretary Kodua said Kumi’s passing was a “devastating loss” to the party. “Considering how he worked hard and the difficulties he endured—even after winning the election—his death is a major blow,” Kodua stated. “We are hopeful the people of Akwatia will remember his struggles and support our candidate Solomon Asumadu in the upcoming election.”
Tributes continue to pour in for Kumi, whose brief time in Parliament left an enduring mark on both his constituency and his party.
