The MP for Akwatia, Ernest Kumi, has passed away after a short illness.

The details of his death are not disclosed, but Joy News' Parliamentary Affairs Correspondent Kweku Asante reports that he was in Parliament the previous week.

His death is a big blow to the NPP and Parliament, where his expertise will be missed.

Mr Kumi, a first-time MP on the ticket of the NPP, had recently been at the centre of a high-profile legal battle over his parliamentary legitimacy.

His sudden death comes just weeks after the Supreme Court overturned his contempt conviction related to the disputed 2024 parliamentary election results.

In February 2025, the Koforidua High Court found Kumi guilty after he defied an interim injunction barring him from presenting himself for swearing-in as an MP.

The court issued a bench warrant for his arrest, citing his failure to attend court hearings and his disregard for the court's authority.