NPP, Akufo-Addo Mourn John Kumah
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has ordered all its flags to fly at half-mast in honour of the late Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ejisu Constituency and Deputy Finance Minister, John Ampotuah Kumah.
The flags will hang at half-mast for the next seven days, a statement released by the General Secretary of the Party, Justin Kodua Frimpong conveyed on Thursday.
In a tribute, the party eulogised him as possessing profound passion and commitment, a trait echoed by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in a separate statement.
“Owing to his business and entrepreneurial acumen, Hon. Kumah was appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer for the National Entrepreneurial and Innovation Programme (NEIP) during the first tenure of the Akufo-Addo administration. His impressive management of NEIP led to his elevation as Deputy Minister for Finance in 2021, a position he held until his demise.
“As Member of Parliament for Ejisu Constituency, Hon. Kumah demonstrated profound passion and commitment to the needs of his constituents which resulted in his recent acclamation as the Party’s 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for the constituency,” according to the NPP.
In his tribute, President Akufo-Addo said his demise had left “us all bereft of a bright, energetic light in our midst”.
According to him, his distinguished leadership at the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) merited his promotion to the office of Deputy Minister for Finance.
At the Ministry, he testified, “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.”
Hon Kumah died on Thursday, February 7, 2024, around 9 am after a short illness.
The 45-year-old was preparing to seek a second term in Parliament after going unopposed in his party’s primaries earlier this year.
The news of his sudden demise has sent shockwaves to the legislature who are reported to have suspended today’s sittings upon hearing the news.
One of John Kumah’s last public outings was during a courtesy call by the new Finance Minister, Hon Mohammed Amin Adam to the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II on February 20, 2024.
His emaciated appearance created concerns about the state of his health.
About
John Kumah attended Opoku Ware School in Kumasi and furthered at the University of Ghana (Legon) in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with Philosophy.
He also earned an MBA (Finance) from GIMPA, a Degree in Law (LLB) from the University of Ghana and a Professional Law Certificate (BL) from the Ghana School of Law.
In November 2020, John Kumah received a Doctorate in Business Innovation from the Swiss Business School in Switzerland and a Masters in Applied Research (Business Innovation) from the same institution.
He founded Majak Associates Ltd, a building and construction company, where he worked until he was appointed the CEO of NEIP in 2017.
He joined Parliament in 2021 after the 2020 general elections on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Until his demise, he was Vice Chairperson of the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee and a member of the Appointments and Subsidiary Legislation Committee.
John was married to Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah who is the Founder and Senior Pastor of Disciple of Christ Ministries Worldwide.
He left behind six children and many other foster children.
