Wails, cries echo as tributes pour in for Dr John Kumah

By Elvis DARKO, Accra

Tributes pour in for Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah, Deputy Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu in the Ashanti Region. Reports indicate that he traveled to his constituency for the Independence Day celebration.

However, he fell sick, and an ambulance was called to transport him to Accra.

The intention was to send him to the 37 Military Hospital, but his condition worsened en route, and the ambulance rerouted to the Suhum Government Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

His remains have since been deposited at Accra’s 37 Military Hospital.

Ejisu is enveloped in an atmosphere of sorrow and grief as news of Dr. Kumah’s passing spreads throughout the community.

His residence has become a gathering place for sympathizers and well-wishers who have come to mourn alongside the grieving family.

Wails and cries echo through the air, reflecting the profound sense of loss felt by all who knew him.

As the community comes together to pay their respects, heartfelt condolences are offered to Dr. Kumah’s family, who are undoubtedly grappling with immense sorrow during this difficult time.

The outpouring of support underscores the deep impact that Dr. Kumah had on the lives of those around him, with his contributions to the community and unwavering dedication to serving others leaving an indelible mark.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia have both paid tribute to the late Deputy Minister for Finance and MP for Ejisu, expressing deep sadness at his sudden death.

In a statement, President Akufo-Addo praised Kumah’s dedication to service and his profound passion for uplifting the lives of Ghanaians.

Dr. Bawumia described him as a committed member of the party and the government, dedicating his all to their success.

Parliament, upon learning of his death, adjourned its sitting abruptly, with Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin announcing the adjournment until the following day in honor of Dr. Kumah.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has also announced that all party flags will fly at half-mast for the next seven days in honor of Dr. John Kumah, recognizing his significant contributions to both the party and the nation.

Dr. Kumah’s legacy of hard work, dedication, and leadership is remembered fondly by colleagues, constituents, and party members alike, as Ghana mourns the loss of a dedicated leader and esteemed public servant.

The atmosphere at the Ministry of Finance was somber as members of staff reacted in disbelief over the sudden death of Dr. Kumah.

Some staff had gathered in groups, discussing the news of his demise, while others were heard from his office screaming in disbelief.

“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our Deputy Minister for Finance and MP for Ejisu Constituency, Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah. May he rest well in the Lord,” the Ministry said in a post on ‘X’ [formerly, Twitter].

Madam Cecelia Isabella Akwetey, Head of Public Relations at the Ministry, spoke in a sad tone, saying they were awaiting confirmation of the Deputy Minister’s death from the family, before they heard Parliament announced it.

Dr. Kumah, born on August 4, 1978, was a Lawyer and Entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in leadership, creativity, innovation, and resourcefulness in creating jobs and supporting youth development.

As the first Chief Executive Officer for the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), he successfully positioned the NEIP as the enabler of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Ghana.

Under his leadership, the program trained 7,000 startups in 2018 under the Presidential Business Support Programme and supported 1,350 beneficiaries with funds.

Prior to working for the Government, Dr. Kumah was the founding member and Managing Partner of Aduaprokye Chambers, a law firm.

He also founded Majak Associates Ltd, a building and construction company.

In November 2020, Dr. Kumah received a Doctorate in Business Innovation from the Swiss Business School in Switzerland.

 Before then, he had acquired a Masters in Applied Business Research from the same Business School in 2019.

His educational background also includes a Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Business Research in 2019 at Nobel International Business School (NIBS) and an Executive Masters degree in Business Administration (Finance) from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in 2009.

Dr. Kumah’s journey began at the University of Ghana, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics with Philosophy, a Bachelor of Art Degree (Law) LLB in 2011, and a Professional Law Certificate from the Ghana School of Law in 2013. He was admitted to the Ghana Bar in 2013.

As an entrepreneur, lawyer, politician, and preacher, he saw none of these roles as accidents but as a call to serve humanity.

He leaves behind six children and was married to Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah.