Minority Caucus Members Walk Out of Ghana Parliament Over 'Insensitive' Akwatia Seat Debate

In Akwatia, Ghana, tensions flared in Parliament on July 17, 2025, as the Minority Caucus staged a dramatic walkout during a session discussing the vacant parliamentary seat of the late Ernest Yaw Kumi, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Akwatia, who passed away on July 7, 2025. The protest was sparked by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga’s call for clarity on when the Akwatia seat would be formally declared vacant, a move the Minority deemed insensitive and premature during a time of mourning.

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Ayariga, representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), argued that parliamentary protocol requires the Clerk of Parliament to notify the Electoral Commission within seven days of an MP’s passing to initiate a by-election process, citing a visit by parliamentary leadership to Kumi’s family as confirmation of his death. However, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin condemned the remarks as disrespectful, emphasizing the need for sensitivity given the recent loss. “This is a sad time. Let us not create the impression that someone is rushing to replace our colleague,” Afenyo-Markin stated before leading the walkout.

The situation escalated further when Ayariga alleged that the NPP had already begun circulating campaign posters featuring Mavis Kumi, the late MP’s widow, as a potential candidate for the anticipated by-election. The Minority denounced this claim as politicizing a period of grief, calling it “inappropriate” and “ill-timed.” However, the Eastern Regional NPP has since denied these allegations, stating that Mavis Kumi has not expressed any intention to contest the Akwatia seat and labeling the reports as “baseless” attempts to sow discord within the party.

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Speaker Alban Bagbin, addressing the controversy, stressed the importance of formal written communication from the deceased’s family before declaring the seat vacant, reinforcing parliamentary procedure. He also criticized the growing trend of politicizing MPs’ deaths, urging respect for the mourning process.

The walkout has drawn significant attention in Ghana, highlighting the delicate balance between constitutional duties and sensitivity toward bereaved families. As the Akwatia seat remains unfilled, the Electoral Commission awaits formal notification to schedule a by-election, leaving the constituency and the nation watching closely.