Minority Walks out of Parliament Over Mahama Ayariga's Remarks About Akwatia Seat Vacancy

• The Minority in Parliament walked out to protest comments relating to the yet-to-be-declared vacancy of the Akwatia seat
• Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga raised the matter of the seat in Parliament, asking for the timelines of its vacancy
• Ernest Kumi, the Akwatia Member of Parliament, died at the age of 40 on July 7, reportedly after some health problems

The Minority in Parliament walked out in protest of comments made by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga concerning the death of MP Ernest Yaw Kumi.

Ayariga, raising the matter of Kumi's death, asked Speaker Alban Bagbin when the Akwatia seat would be formally declared vacant.

He referred to a recent visit by Parliamentary leadership to the late MP’s family, noting that the death had been acknowledged during that interaction.

“Whenever a vacancy occurs in Parliament, the Clerk of Parliament shall notify the Electoral Commission in writing within seven days after becoming aware. Mr. Speaker, if Ghanaians ask the Clerk if they are aware or not, can he say he is not aware?"

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“After being informed by the Leader of the Caucus through a statement in this House, the Clerk himself followed up at his house and met the family members of the deceased, and they confirmed to him that the deceased had passed. And this was on national television.”

In response, the Speaker of Parliament clarified that the House could not proceed with declaring the seat vacant or notify the Electoral Commission until it received formal communication from the bereaved family.

The situation grew tense when Ayariga alleged that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had already circulated campaign posters featuring the late MP’s widow, Mavis Kumi, indicating her intention to contest the anticipated by-election.

The Minority found Ayariga’s remarks inappropriate and insensitive, describing them as premature and politicising a period of mourning.

In protest, they walked out of the chamber and registered their discontent at a subsequent press conference.

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When did Akwatia MP Ernest Kumi pass?

Kumi died aged 40 on July 7, reportedly after experiencing some health issues.

Shortly before his death, the first-time MP on the NPP's ticket overturned a conviction for contempt related to the disputed 2024 parliamentary election results.

In February 2025, a Koforidua High Court found Kumi guilty after he defied an interim injunction barring him from presenting himself for swearing-in as an MP.

The court issued a bench warrant for his arrest, citing his failure to attend court hearings and his disregard for the court's authority.

Eastern Regional NPP mourns Ernest Kumi

YEN.com.gh also previously reported that the NPP in the Eastern Region expressed its condolences on the passing of Akwatia MP Ernest Kumi.

In a statement issued by the Regional Communication Officer, Evans Osei Yeboah, the party said the late MP was a committed servant of the party.

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It also described Kumi as a dedicated public servant whose commitment to the development of Akwatia and the ideals of the NPP had been unwavering.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh