The New Patriotic Party, Parliament and the municipality of Ejisu were in states of shock, disbelief and mourning on Thursday with the announcement of the death of Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah, a Deputy Minister of Finance and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) of Ejisu in the Ashanti Region.
Parliament learned of his death on Thursday and as a result, sitting was abruptly brought to an end and adjourned to Friday at 10 am.
Following the breaking news of the demise of the Ejisu lawmaker, the mood in the House became sombre, and his colleagues could be seen in pensive moods.
Dr. Kumah was born on 4th August 1978.
Before working for the government, Dr. Kumah was the founding member and Managing Partner of Aduaprokye Chambers, a law firm.
He also worked as the founder of Majak Associates Ltd., a building and construction company.
He was admitted to the Ghana Bar in 2013.
At Ejisu, family members, mourners, and sympathizers from all walks of life thronged to his home, where they shared their grief over the passing of the late MP.
Bismark Owusu Twumasi, an aide to the late John Kumah detailed efforts to provide the MP with medical assistance until his demise.
He said an ambulance was mobilized to transport him to Accra.
While on the way, his condition became very critical and the ambulance diverted to the Suhum Government Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
His remains have since been deposited at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah was among the retinue of mourners who paid a visit to the family to commiserate with them.
Glowing tributes are pouring in from the leadership of the NPP, with President Akufo-Addo describing the late Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah, as a Ghanaian patriot par excellence.
According to the president, Dr. Kumah’s “unwavering dedication to service, his tireless commitment to the betterment of the nation, and his profound passion for uplifting the lives of the people of Ejisu and Ghana were evident to all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
President Akufo-Addo in a social media post added “His efforts were instrumental in advancing the government’s economic agenda, and ensuring that the fruits of progress were equitably shared amongst all segments of society.”
The Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in a social media post described the late Deputy Finance Minister as “a truly committed member of the administration, and party, who dedicated his all to the success of their endeavours.”
As a mark of respect for his memory and enduring legacy, the New Patriotic Party has directed that all its flags be flown at half-mast for the next seven days.
The 45-year-old legislator was married to Apostle Lilian Kumah and left behind six children.
Story by: Isaac Clottey
