The Director of Legal Affairs for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gary Nimako, has disclosed that the late Ernest Kumi, former Member of Parliament for Akwatia, had intended to resign from Parliament just six days before his untimely death.
In January 2025, the Koforidua High Court had placed an interim injunction on Kumi, preventing him from being sworn in as MP for Akwatia. Despite the ruling, he went ahead with the swearing-in, prompting the court to cite him for contempt and issue a warrant for his arrest. In June 2025, however, the Supreme Court overturned the ruling, affirming his legitimacy as a legislator.
Speaking on Joy News on Tuesday, September 2, Mr. Nimako revealed that Kumi had grown frustrated by continuous harassment in his constituency and had confided his wish to quit politics.
“Ernest Kumi said that he wants to resign from Parliament. Are you aware? He said he was tired because of the harassment they were doing to him at the constituency. He was tired; he wants to resign from Parliament and go and stay at home,” Mr. Nimako stated.
He further emphasized the sincerity of his disclosure:
“Do you know I am an ex-seminarian? I went to Catholic school to become a Catholic priest. Ask my people who were with me, they will tell you. I will tell the truth to you, and the truth will set me free.”
Reflecting on the emotional strain Kumi endured before his death, Mr. Nimako added:
“The gentleman was harassed and over-harassed. Six days before he died… He said he was tired.”
Kumi’s sudden passing led to the Akwatia by-election, which was subsequently won by Bernard Bediako of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Source: Adomonline
