The Minority in Parliament on Thursday, July 17, 2025, staged a walkout in protest over statements made by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga regarding the Akwatia parliamentary seat.
The seat is yet to be formally declared vacant following the sudden death of the MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi, on Monday, July 7, 2025.
During proceedings, the Bawku Central MP raised concerns about the delay in officially announcing the vacancy, referencing Parliament’s visit to the late MP’s family.
“Whenever a vacancy occurs in Parliament, the Clerk of Parliament shall notify the Electoral Commission in writing within seven days after becoming aware. Mr. Speaker, if Ghanaians ask the Clerk if they are aware or not, can he say he is not aware?” he questioned.
He continued, “After being informed by the Leader of the Caucus through a statement in this House, the Clerk himself followed up at his house and met the family members of the deceased, and they confirmed to him that the deceased had passed. And this was on national television.”
Responding to the concerns, Speaker Alban Bagbin explained that Parliament must first receive official communication from the bereaved family before the Clerk can notify the Electoral Commission. “We cannot act without formal notice,” he emphasised.
Tensions heightened when Ayariga alleged that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had already begun circulating campaign posters featuring the late MP’s widow, Mavis Kumi, suggesting her interest in contesting the upcoming by-election.
The Minority described Ayariga’s comments as insensitive and ill-timed, stating that they politicised a moment of grief. In protest, they exited the chamber.
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