Key Points
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Bawumia blames NDC pressure for Kumi’s death.
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Speaker Bagbin confirms cause was heart failure.
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Akwatia by-election set for September 2, 2025.
Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says the National Democratic Congress (NDC) placed unbearable pressure on the late Ernest Kumi, Member of Parliament for Akwatia, after the 2024 general election.
At a meeting with chiefs in Akyem Wenchi, Bawumia said the NDC’s court challenge to Kumi’s victory left the MP deeply troubled. He claimed the legal battle and intimidation worsened Kumi’s health and led to his death.
“When he won, the NDC rejected the result and went to court,” Bawumia said. “He became frustrated, which raised his blood pressure. But the court affirmed that he was the elected MP. Twenty-six days later, he died.”
Bawumia appeals to voters
Bawumia described Kumi as a fighter who refused to give up on Akwatia. He reminded voters that Kumi lost once but came back to win in 2024.
“The sacrifices he made should not be forgotten,” Bawumia said. “We must continue the work he started.”
He urged voters to honor Kumi’s memory by backing Solomon Kwame Asumadu, the NPP candidate in the September 2 by-election. The NDC is fielding lawyer Bernard Bediako Baidoo, setting up another fierce contest in Akwatia.
Speaker confirms cause of death
Although Bawumia blamed political stress, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, said Kumi died of heart failure.
First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor disclosed the cause on the floor of Parliament before the House adjourned for recess.
Kumi, 40, died on July 7 after a short illness. His sudden death shocked colleagues, supporters, and constituents who had seen him celebrate his court victory only weeks earlier.
The Electoral Commission has fixed September 2, 2025, for the by-election. Akwatia, long a swing constituency in the Eastern Region, is once again set to test the strength of both major parties.
