Director of Legal Affairs for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gary Nimako, has revealed that the late Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Ernest Kumi, intended to resign from Parliament just six days before his sudden death in July 2025.

Speaking on Joy News on Tuesday, September 2, Mr. Nimako disclosed that Kumi had grown emotionally and mentally exhausted due to persistent harassment in his constituency and had expressed a desire to step away from active 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,” he revealed.

Mr. Nimako emphasised the sincerity of his claims, referencing his own background in Catholic seminary to underscore his credibility.

“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.”

Ernest Kumi's time in Parliament was marked by legal controversy. In January 2025, the Koforidua High Court issued an interim injunction preventing him from being sworn in.

However, Kumi proceeded with the ceremony, leading to a contempt charge and a warrant for his arrest. The Supreme Court later overturned the ruling in June 2025, clearing the path for him to serve as MP.

Tragically, Kumi passed away unexpectedly in July 2025, just weeks after the legal battle was resolved.

“The gentleman was harassed and over harassed. Six days he died… He said he was tired," he said.

His death prompted the Akwatia by-election, held on September 2, 2025, which was won by Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).