The Director of Legal Affairs of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gary Nimako, has revealed that the late Ernest Kumi, former Member of Parliament for Akwatia, had been planning to resign from Parliament just six days before his untimely death.
In January 2025, the Koforidua High Court placed an injunction on Kumi, preventing him from being sworn in as MP for Akwatia. He defied the order and went ahead with his swearing-in, a move that led to a contempt ruling and an arrest warrant against him. However, the Supreme Court overturned that decision in June 2025, affirming his legitimacy as a legislator.
Sadly, a month later in July 2025, Kumi passed away unexpectedly.
Speaking on Joy News on Tuesday, September 2, Mr. Nimako said Kumi had grown weary of constant harassment in his constituency and had confided in him about his decision to leave politics.
“Ernest Kumi told me he wanted to resign from Parliament. He was exhausted by the persistent harassment in his constituency. He said he was tired and just wanted to step away and stay home,” Mr. Nimako stated.
Affirming his sincerity, he added:
“I was once a seminarian training to be a Catholic priest. Those who know me will tell you—I speak the truth, and the truth will set me free.”
Emphasizing the emotional strain Kumi endured, he concluded:
“The young man was harassed beyond measure. Just six days before he died, he said he was tired.”
Kumi’s passing eventually led to a by-election in Akwatia, which was won by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Bernard Bediako.
