Akwatia Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi, has passed away, according to reports.

It is unknown when the legislator who sides with the Minority in Parliament passed on.

The Minority Leadership is yet to engage the public over the demise of its member.

Last month, the apex court overturned a ruling by the Koforidua High Court that convicted Mr Kumi of contempt of court.

The court, on Wednesday, June 11, by a 4–1 majority, granted the legislator's application to overturn the High Court's ruling.

On January 3, 2025, the Koforidua High Court issued an interim injunction restraining Ernest Yaw Kumi from being sworn in as the Member of Parliament for Akwatia.

The injunction stemmed from a legal challenge by Henry Boakye-Yiadom, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate and former MP, who contested the election results.

Boakye-Yiadom had filed a lawsuit against the Electoral Commission (EC), Kumi, and the Clerk to Parliament, disputing the outcome of the polls. Official results had declared Kumi victorious with 19,269 votes, while Boakye-Yiadom secured 17,206 votes.

Despite the court’s order, Kumi went ahead with his swearing-in on January 7, 2025. His legal team, led by Lawyer Gary Nimako, later sought to overturn the injunction, but the court dismissed their application.

On February 19, 2025, the Koforidua High Court issued a bench warrant for Kumi’s arrest, citing his absence from contempt proceedings and his failure to comply with the earlier injunction.

Reacting to the development, the Minority in Parliament has condemned the court’s decision, arguing that it was excessive. Speaking to the media, Second Deputy Minority Whip Jerry Ahmed Shaib expressed strong disagreement with the ruling.

In Parliament, Mr Kumi who was a first-time member in the 9th Parliament, served on both the Lands and Natural Resources Committee and the House Committee.

A by-election as a result of the death of a member of Parliament shall be taken not less than ten days and not more than thirty days from the date of nomination.