The remains of John Kumah being conveyed to the cemetery
The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has eulogised the late John Ampontuah Kumah, describing his death as a personal loss.
In a tribute at the burial service of John Kumah at Ejisu last Saturday, Dr. Bawumia expressed gratitude to the late Deputy Minister of Finance for his unflinching support and encouragement to his presidential ambition.
He described how John Kumah campaigned alongside him around the country, showing his commitment and dedication to his (Bawumia’s) presidential bid.
“His sudden death in March has been a personal blow. Long before I decided to run for president, Hon. John Kumah was among the few party leaders and legislators to have publicly urged me to run and pledged his unending support,” he stressed.
Dr. Bawumia continued, “Through his public pledge, John supported me strongly, campaigning with me everywhere in the country.”
The NPP flagbearer praised John’s contributions to the party, asserting that the late MP was not just a driving force but also a staunch champion for “advancing the NPP agenda.”
According to Dr. Bawumia, John Kumah spearheaded efforts aimed at empowering youth and ensuring a brighter future for Ghana’s next generation.
“His commitment to the national development programme remains indelible and has left an enduring mark on the country’s trajectory.
“He was also a lawyer of good standing. In that area too, he was brilliant, diligent and professional in dealings with his clients,” Dr. Bawumia, who was among a sea of mourners that thronged Ejisu to bid farewell to the late lawmaker, eulogised.
John Kumah’s Finance Ministry colleagues described him as an exceptional deputy minister and a compassionate man, and a father of six who was well-liked by his coworkers.
“At our first meeting with the IMF mission in Accra, Dr. John Kumah proved to be an indispensable member of the Ghana team,” Abena Osei-Asare, Minister of State at the Finance Ministry, said in a tribute.
According to her, John offered extensive technical support and led critical meetings, adding that the late Deputy Minister’s efforts helped the Ministry reach a staff level agreement in record time.
NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, stated that the late John Kumah faithfully served the NPP from his university days, and that his hard work propelled him to the top of political circles.
He stated that John Kumah’s election as Ejisu MP and appointment as Deputy Minister of Finance are clear indications that he served well for which he was rewarded accordingly.
Lilian Kumah, John Kumah’s wife, referred to him as her everything, remembering how he actively guided and supported her in becoming who she is now.
Thousands of loved ones, including President Nana Akufo-Addo and some political leaders, gathered on the funeral grounds to mourn alongside the family.
Dr. John Kumah died on March 7, 2024 after a short illness, and was survived by a wife and six children.
His remains were interred in a cemetery in Ejisu on Saturday, after hundreds of mourners filed past the body to pay their last respects.
The sorrowful ceremony was marked by wailing, and mourners, particularly the bereaved family, widow, Lilian Kumah, and children of the late MP, could not hold back their tears.
Among the top dignitaries that attended John Kumah’s funeral rites were the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, and NPP National Chairman, Stephen Ntim.
By Ernest Kofi Adu & I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr