Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has expressed his condolence over the death of Akwatia Member of Parliament (MP) Ernest Yaw Kumi.

The MP died on Monday, July 7, following complains of heart pains.

In reaction to his passing, the 2024 New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate described the deceased as "a loyal patriot".

The post read, “I have received with sadness the passing of Hon. Ernest Yaw Kumi, MP, Akwatia Constituency. Ernest was a loyal patriot. My condolences to the immediate family. May his soul rest in peace”.

The death of the first-time MP shocked many as it is reported that he was very active in Parliament just last week.

His closest friend who is the former District Chief Executive for Denkyembour, Seth Birikorang, during an interview yesterday revealed that that he complained of chest pains before his sudden death on Monday, July 7.

Recounting their moments together two days before his passing, Mr Birikorang shared that they had travelled together to an event in Takoradi on Friday, July 4, in honour of an invitation by the Effia MP, Isaac Yaw Boamah Nyarko.

They later returned to Accra on Sunday, July 6, in the evening.

“After we got back to Accra on Sunday, around 6:30 pm, he dropped me off at Mallam Junction, and I took a taxi home,” he recalled.

“He even teased me to be careful and to pray no one takes a photo of me in a taxi and posts it online just six months after we lost power. We laughed, and before parting ways, he reminded me we had a meeting at 2 pm the next day and told me to call him if I didn’t hear from him.”

According to Mr. Birikorang, a few hours before his demise, Mr Kumi asked his wife to excuse him to rest, only for her to be told later on that her husband had passed between 9:00 and 10:00 am.

“How can a good man die in this painful manner? Someone should tell me this is not true,” he cried.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin on the floor of Parliament yesterday,formally informed the house on the passing of their colleague MP who he described as a vibrant and promising young legislator from the Eastern Region.

As a traditional sign of mourning in Parliament, the MPs seat was draped in red cloth.

The House suspended proceedings to honor his memory as many MPs paid their respect to his memory.

Tributes have continued to pour in from political colleagues and constituents, with many commending him for his dedication, humility, and service to the people of Akwatia.