The Akwatia Youth Movement, a youth group based in the Akwatia Constituency of the Eastern Region, held a solemn candlelight vigil in honor and memory of the late Member of Parliament, Ernest Yaw Kumi on July 14.
Clad in black with others in shirts with the inscriptions, ‘Se Asa”, and holding lit candles, hundreds of mourners mostly youth affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), as well as other political party members and sympathizers walked through the principal streets of Akwatia.
The walk, marked by dirges and solemn hymns, began from the Akwatia township, passed through Boadua Station, and ended at the Akwatia NPP Party Office.
At the final stop, participants offered prayers for the soul of the late MP, whose death has left a void in the constituency.
Many attendees shared heartfelt memories of the man they described as a dedicated public servant and a unifying figure.
“He was a good man loved across the political divide,” one youth member shared. “This candlelight walk is our way of honoring him and finding comfort in knowing that he is still with us in spirit.”
A grieving female constituent added, “From Boadua, Topreman, Wenchi, and all the surrounding communities, he kept faith with us. He sacrificed his life in service. We have lost a kind man.”
According to family sources, Ernest Yaw Kumi passed away, allegedly from heart complications. Hospital officials have not made public the cause of death yet.
While official funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by either his family or the New Patriotic Party, the political party he served in Parliament, his passing has sparked preparations for a by-election.
Ernest Kumi’s tenure was cut short just six months into his service amidst ongoing legal battle related to the 2024 election results.
The Electoral Commission is expected to announce a date for the by-election in the coming days.
The NPP is now tasked with selecting a new candidate to face off against the opposition NDC’s Henry Boakye Yiadom or any other candidate the NDC may put forward.
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