Former Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Baba Jamal, has paid tribute to the late Ernest Yaw Kumi, describing him as a “promising star” whose political future held great potential.
Speaking on The Verdict with Isaac Addae on Star 103.5 FM on Tuesday, July 8, Baba Jamal reflected on their interactions and Kumi’s potential, expressing deep sorrow over his passing.
“He never lost the opportunity to come near me whenever he saw me in public, to fraternise with me,” he said. “Despite the fact that we were on opposite sides, he would always say, ‘Oh, senior, as for you guys, we are learning from you.’”
Jamal recalled his last encounter with Kumi outside his office in Akwatia. “He came with his group, greeted me, called me ‘senior,’ and we spoke a few words before he continued his rounds,” he said.
He described Kumi as “a very young, promising, respectful young man,” adding, “Everybody knows Ernest Kumi to be a very calm guy… he respected everyone and never allowed political affiliation to get in the way.”
Jamal said he admired Kumi’s ability to engage people across the political divide. “That is a political mark that I thought would carry him very far,” he stated.
“…I must say, we have lost a promising star. Not necessarily to serve only the NPP, but this is somebody who could have come to serve the whole country in his capacity.”
He further described the situation as tragic and painful. “It is a sad situation that no one who stays is happy with. In Akwatia, the whole place is calm…”
Jamal’s remarks came as part of a broader wave of tributes to Ernest Kumi, whose death has sparked national mourning and reflection on his legacy.
Kumi, known in political circles as the “Akwatia Star Boy,” reportedly died on Monday, July 7, from a suspected heart attack. An official cause of death is yet to be confirmed, although family sources have pointed to cardiac complications.
He was serving his first term in Parliament, having won the Akwatia seat in the 2024 elections; a key victory for the New Patriotic Party in the Eastern Region. His death comes at a time when legal proceedings were ongoing over the legitimacy of his election.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
