Paragraph 1: The Passing of Ernest Yaw Kumi and the Ensuing Rumors
The political landscape of Akwatia, Ghana was shaken by the untimely demise of Ernest Yaw Kumi, the constituency’s Member of Parliament, on July 7th, 2025, following a brief illness. His passing created a vacancy in Parliament, triggering speculation about potential successors. Amidst the mourning period, rumors began to circulate on social media, fueled by a widely shared flyer, suggesting that Mr. Kumi’s widow, Mavis Kumi, was preparing to contest the upcoming by-election to fill her late husband’s seat. This speculation quickly gained traction, adding another layer of complexity to an already sensitive situation for the grieving family and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to which Mr. Kumi belonged.
Paragraph 2: The NPP’s Official Response and Denial of the Rumors
The NPP’s Eastern Regional Executive Committee swiftly addressed the burgeoning rumors, issuing a formal press statement on July 15th, 2025. The statement, signed by the Regional Chairman, Jeff Konadu Addo, categorically refuted the claims concerning Mrs. Kumi’s alleged political aspirations. The party emphasized that the information disseminated via the social media flyer was false, misleading, and deserved to be disregarded entirely. They underscored their commitment to supporting Mrs. Kumi and her family during their time of bereavement, emphasizing the importance of respecting their privacy and allowing them to mourn in peace.
Paragraph 3: Direct Communication with Mrs. Kumi and Her Intentions
The NPP’s statement highlighted their direct communication with Mrs. Kumi and her immediate family following Mr. Kumi’s death. According to the party, Mrs. Kumi had unequivocally expressed her lack of interest in contesting the parliamentary seat or engaging in any form of active politics at that juncture. Her primary focus, as expected of a grieving widow, was on mourning her husband with dignity and privacy. The party emphasized their understanding and support of her decision, reiterating that her well-being and that of her family were paramount.
Paragraph 4: A Call for Respect and Sensitivity towards the Bereaved Family
The NPP appealed to its members, sympathizers, Akwatia constituents, and the general public to dismiss the circulating flyer and refrain from spreading misinformation. The party emphasized the importance of sensitivity and respect towards Mrs. Kumi and her family during this difficult time. They stressed that the memory of the late Ernest Kumi, a dedicated patriot and loyal servant of the NPP and the people of Akwatia, should be honored with truth and respect, rather than with speculative rumors. Such unfounded claims, they argued, only exacerbated the family’s grief and should be strongly discouraged.
Paragraph 5: Condemnation of Misinformation and Emphasis on Party Values
The party condemned the dissemination of misinformation, emphasizing its potential to harm not only the bereaved family but also the political process. They called for unity, decorum, and integrity within the party ranks and urged everyone to focus on supporting Mrs. Kumi and her family through their period of mourning. The NPP reiterated its commitment to upholding these values and emphasized the importance of respecting the wishes of the deceased’s family.
Paragraph 6: A Plea for Support and Prayers for the Grieving Family
The NPP concluded its statement with a call for continued prayers and support for Mrs. Kumi and her family. They encouraged everyone to offer their condolences and assistance during this challenging period, reiterating the importance of empathy and compassion. By focusing on support and respect for the grieving family, the NPP aimed to counter the negative impact of the false rumors and promote a more compassionate and respectful environment within the party and the wider community.
