Tears Flow For John Kumah, As Late MP Laid to Rest

Tears flowed at Onwe, a suburb of Ejisu in the Ashanti Region on Saturday, May 18, when hundreds of mourners, paid their last respect and bid farewell to former Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu and Deputy Finance Minister, Dr John Ampontua Kumah.

While some of the mourners, comprising family and friends, constituents, Finance Ministry staff, party and government functionaries present were still in shock over his demise, others could not hold back their tears, as they filed past the body.

The former MP died on Thursday, March 7, after a short illness at the age of 45.

He leaves behind a legacy as a devoted family man, survived by his wife, Apostle Mrs Lilian Kumah, and six children.

It was a solemn moment at the burial service, as heartfelt tributes poured in for the man said to have touched many lives and adored for his contributions to the Ejisu Constituency.

Today, we are gathered here with heavy arms to bid farewell to a remarkable man. As we stand here in solemn remembrance, we celebrate a life that touched so many, a life that will forever be cherished in our hearts.

Children of the late Deputy Finance Minister, who eulogised their father said, his absence leaves an irreplaceable void in their lives.

They said, Dr Kumah was more than just a father and a beacon of strength, wisdom, and love, adding that “His presence filled our lives with warmth and guidance, and his absence leaves an irreplaceable void.”

“We have not grown as children, but for the years we saw him as our father, we have witnessed hundreds of lives he has touched. As we reflect on our father’s life, we are reminded of his own wavering dedication to his family. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a pillar of support to all who knew him. His love knew no bounds, and his kindness knew no limits.”

Bawumia’s Tribute

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, also commended Dr Kumah’s selfless contributions to the nation and extended condolences to his loved ones.

In his speech, Dr Bawumia, highlighted the late Ejisu MP’s selflessness and kind heart and expressed the nation’s devastation at the news of his passing.

“He was renowned for his selflessness, intellectual brilliance, and warm personality, a man blessed with a good heart. His departure has left a void, and this grief is beyond consolation. Nature has dealt us a cruel blow, taking John away in his prime,” he said.

Reflecting on Dr Kumah’s contributions, Dr Bawumia, commented on his remarkable legacy and achievements despite his short life.

“Indeed, we have lost a dedicated public servant. I have lost a friend and a strong supporter. We appeal and pray to the good Lord to keep John in his bosom,” he added.

Ministry of Finance

The Ministry of Finance, also eulogised and extended its heartfelt condolence to the family of Dr Kumah.

The Ministry, described Dr Kumah as a remarkable person, a devoted public official whose light shines brightly even in death.

“Honourable Dr John Ampontiuah Kumah was appointed by his Excellency the President in 2021 as a Deputy Minister for Finance. He came to the Ministry exuding charisma and a passion for youth development and entrepreneurship and thanks to his hard work, dedication and commitment, he effortlessly fitted the role that then Minister Ken Ofori-Atta assigned him, which was Deputy Minister in charge of wealth creation.”

It said that the late Ejisu MP at his introduction to the staff of the Ministry of Finance, made a profound statement that he is a Minister of God by divine calling and a politician by choice, adding that “This is rightly so because he perfected the two callings and positively impacted us at the Ministry.”

Parliament

Parliament also extended its heartfelt condolence to the late MP, saying that the distinguished service of Dr Kumah, who was a true patriot, selfless and visionary young man, undoubtedly served the nation with a sense of commitment and dedication.

“Honourable John Kumah became associated with the Parliament of Ghana when he was sworn in as a Member of Parliament for the Ejisu constituency in January 2017. His diligence and dedication to duty as a legislator and trustee of the good people of Ejisu and Ghana became noticeable right from the beginning.

“He was a man of boundless ambition who always stroked for excellence both in his role as a legislator and a statesman with a firm conviction in the maxim that the sky is the limit,” the House said.