The Director of Legal Affairs for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gary Nimako, has revealed that the late Ernest Kumi, who previously served as the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, had planned to resign from Parliament just six days prior to his unexpected death.
In January 2025, the Koforidua High Court issued a temporary injunction preventing Ernest Kumi from being sworn in as the MP for Akwatia. In defiance of this order, Kumi went ahead with the swearing-in, which led the court to hold him in contempt and issue an arrest warrant. However, this ruling was subsequently overturned by the Supreme Court in June 2025, thereby removing the legal uncertainties surrounding his status as a legislator.
Sadly, just a month later, Kumi passed away unexpectedly in July 2025.
During an interview on Joy News on Tuesday, September 2, Mr. Nimako stated that Kumi had become exhausted from ongoing harassment in his constituency and had shared his desire to withdraw from politics.
“Ernest Kumi expressed his wish to resign from Parliament. Are you aware of this? He mentioned that he was fatigued due to the harassment he faced in the constituency. He was weary and wanted to resign from Parliament to return home,” Mr. Nimako disclosed.
To emphasize the authenticity of his statement, he added:
“You should know that I am a former seminarian. I attended Catholic school with the intention of becoming a Catholic priest. Ask my associates who were with me; they will confirm this. I will speak the truth to you, and the truth will liberate me.”
Focusing on the emotional strain Kumi experienced before his death, Mr. Nimako highlighted:
“The gentleman was subjected to harassment and excessive pressure. Just six days before he died… he expressed that he was tired.”
Kumi’s passing ultimately led to the Akwatia by-election, which was won by the candidate from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Bernard Bediako.
