John Ampontuah Kumah
The Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu, in the Ashanti Region, has died at the age of 45.
Mr. Kumah passed on in the early hours of yesterday after battling for his life since November 2023.
The late MP has been in and out of hospital since doctors detected that he had consumed poison, a family relation told DAILY GUIDE.
Meanwhile, Parliament yesterday adjourned its sitting to today, March 8, 2024, following the untimely death of their colleague.
President Akufo-Addo, in a tribute on his Facebook wall said, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic news of the sudden death of the Deputy Minister for Finance and Member of Parliament for Ejisu, Hon. John Ampontuah Kumah, whose untimely passing has left us all bereft of a bright, energetic light in our midst.”
He recounted knowing him from his days as leader of the opposition and as President of the Republic, adding that, “His warmth, humility, and genuine concern for others endeared him to me and to all who crossed his path.”
“His unwavering dedication to service, his tireless commitment to the betterment of our 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.
“He was a stalwart of the New Patriotic Party in the Ejisu Constituency, which he served with great enthusiasm and devotion as a Member of Parliament,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo said the late MP was the first Chief Executive Officer of the new entity he set up in his first term, the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP).
“He distinguished himself in that office, and, therefore, merited his promotion to the office of Deputy Minister for Finance, where he brought not only expertise and skill, but also a deep sense of compassion and empathy to his role.
“His efforts were instrumental in advancing Government’s economic agenda, and ensuring that the fruits of our progress were equitably shared amongst all segments of society. He was a Ghanaian patriot par excellence,” the President said.
“To his wife, children, family and the New Patriotic Party in the Ejisu Constituency and across the nation, I offer my deepest condolences on their great loss.
“May God bless him, and allow his soul to rest in perfect peace in His Bosom until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall all meet again,” he added.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia also in a statement on X said, “A truly committed member of our administration and party, who dedicated his all to the success of our endeavours, Rest Well John.”
The NPP, in a statement signed by the General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong also noted that even before his ascension to national political limelight, “Hon. Kumah showed signs of leadership in his teenage years as he was elected School Prefect for the Opoku Ware School.
“He was an energetic Party stalwart whose relentless activism was instrumental in the formation of Young Patriots, a youth group that championed the cause of the Party from 2009 to 2016.”
The NPP said it takes solace in the late Deputy Finance Minister’s legacy of hard work and dedication to the country, and extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, particularly his wife and children and the people of Ejisu, for the great loss.
“As a mark of respect in his honour, the Party has directed that all Party flags fly at half-mast for the next seven days,” it said.
The Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, also wrote on social media, “Rest well bro… I am devastated,” as caption to a picture of John Kumah posted on X [formerly twitter].
The devoted family man left behind six children and a wife, Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah.
John Kumah, known for his cult debates on the floor of Parliament, personified the image of a young professional financial icon with outstanding intelligence.
With over 15 years of experience, he exemplified leadership, creativity, and innovation, notably in the areas of job creation and youth development.
Dr. John Kumah was also a lawyer by profession, and until his death he was the Managing Partner of Aduaprokye Chambers, a prominent law firm he founded.
He was named the Most Efficient and Prominent Government Appointee in 2018 and one of President Akufo-Addo’s top 20 humblest and respectful appointees in 2019.
Mr. Ampontuah Kumah has been a committed member of the NPP since 1992, working at the grassroots level for the party. He was the founder of the Young Patriots, the NPP’s political pressure group.
By Ernest Kofi Adu