Akwatia by-election: NDC’s court battle left Ernest Kumi frustrated before passing – Dr. Bawumia

Former vice president, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has linked the death of Ernest Kumi, the late New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Akwatia, to the frustration he suffered during a court challenge mounted by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaking to chiefs and residents of Akyem Wenchi in the Akwatia constituency on Sunday (31 August), Dr Bawumia praised Mr Kumi’s resilience but said the protracted legal tussle over his election victory took a toll on his health.

“He persevered after an earlier defeat, came back in 2024, and by the grace of God, he won this time,” Dr Bawumia said.

“When he won, the NDC rejected the verdict and went to court. He became frustrated and this raised his pressure. But the court affirmed that he was the elected MP. Twenty-six days after the final verdict, he died.”

The NDC’s petition against Mr Kumi’s victory was eventually dismissed, clearing the way for him to be sworn in as MP. However, his sudden death less than a month after the judgment has left the Akwatia seat vacant, triggering a by-election.

Dr Bawumia urged constituents to honour the late MP’s memory by supporting the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate in the upcoming poll.

Probe NDC candidate

Meanwhile, the credibility of the lawyer-turned-National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate ahead of the by-election, is under scrutiny.

Bernard Bediako Baidoo, who represented the defeated NDC parliamentary candidate, Henry Yiadom Boakye, in the recent election petition, is now at the center of political debate in Akwatia.

Baidoo, who stood by Boakye during the legal challenge, later turned around to contest him in the NDC primaries for the upcoming by-election — and emerged victorious.

This development has left many locals puzzled.

They are asking: if the NDC truly believed Boakye had won the earlier election, why would his own lawyer be the one to unseat him in the primaries?

The choice of Baidoo over Boakye has fueled speculation within the constituency about the party’s confidence in its candidates and the internal dynamics at play.

Adding his voice to the development on The Forum on Asaase Radio on Saturday (30 August), a former New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dickson Adomako Kissi, called on the the Ghana Bar Association to probe Baidoo’s conduct.

“This practice is troubling, and I think the Bar Association must take this very seriously. These are serious breaches of trust,” Adomako Kissi said.

He went further, describing the move as “disgusting” and “pure misrepresentation” of a client.

“How can you represent one person in court, then go and contest him in an election? The NDC man cannot be trusted with the seat,” he added.

Background

The by-election was triggered by the death of the NPP MP Ernest Yaw Kumi, who passed away on 7 July 2025 after a short illness, leaving the Akwatia seat vacant.

Kumi had been sworn in early January 2025 after winning the December 2024 election.

His brief term was marked by legal controversy—initially facing a High Court injunction, later overturned by the Supreme Court in June 2025.

The by-election, supervised by the Electoral Commission would be held on Tuesday, 2 September 2025.