The late Ernest Kumi, former Member of Parliament for Akwatia, endured significant legal challenges and political harassment during his brief tenure in Parliament, according to Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, MP for Bosome-Freho. Speaking on Metro TV’s *Good Morning Ghana* show, Asafo-Adjei revealed the ordeal Kumi faced despite securing his parliamentary seat with a margin of over 2,000 votes.
Asafo-Adjei lamented that Kumi, who passed away on July 7, 2025, after a short illness, was denied peace and serenity during his six-month stint as an MP. “There are people in Parliament sitting there with less than 20 votes difference, and they have peace, sound of mind, and are going about their business. My brother won with over 2,000 votes, yet that young man could not have serenity to live as an MP,” he said.
According to Asafo-Adjei, Kumi faced relentless legal threats and political pressure, primarily from the Minority and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He recounted instances where Kumi had to be smuggled into Parliament in a car boot to avoid arrests or court summons. “There were times Ernest had to be bundled in a car boot to be brought to Parliament because the NDC were looking for him everywhere with court injunctions or summons,” Asafo-Adjei disclosed. He added that Kumi often slept in Parliament to evade these pressures.
The late MP was reportedly labeled a “fugitive” by his detractors, a term Asafo-Adjei condemned, questioning, “What was his crime? Just to serve the good people of Akwatia.” He further revealed that Kumi was unable to make a single statement in Parliament due to the constant harassment, despite being a “sharp young guy” committed to his constituents.
Asafo-Adjei also highlighted the financial toll on Kumi, stating that the late MP spent nearly all his parliamentary salary on legal fees, shuttling between courtrooms and law offices instead of focusing on his legislative duties. “Virtually all the salary that Ernest got was used to pay lawyers… What was his crime? Just to serve and make laws for the country,” he emphasized.
Ernest Yaw Kumi’s death has sparked reflection on the challenges faced by some elected officials in Ghana’s political landscape. Asafo-Adjei’s account paints a picture of a dedicated lawmaker whose tenure was marred by undue pressure, raising questions about the treatment of parliamentarians in contested constituencies.
Akwatia MP never enjoyed MP status because of the NDC. What was his crime? – Asafo-Adjei laments#GoodMorningGhana #MetroTV pic.twitter.com/ftFijY9pBY
— Metro TV Ghana (@metrotvgh) July 10, 2025