By Francis Ntow
Accra, March 07, GNA – The atmosphere at the Ministry of Finance on Thursday, March 7, was a solemn one as members of staff reacted in disbelief over the sudden death of Dr John Ampontuah Kumah, a Deputy Finance Minister.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu in the Ashanti Region died at age 45.
At about 1430 hours when the Ghana News Agency visited the Ministry, some staff had gathered in groups of three and four, discussing the news of his demise, while others were heard from his office screaming in disbelief.
“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our Deputy Minister for Finance, and MP for Ejisu Constituency, Dr John Ampontuah Kumah. May he rest well in the Lord,” the Ministry said in post on ‘X’ [formerly, Twitter].
Madam Cecelia Isabella Akwetey, Head of Public Relations at the Ministry, who spoke in a sad tone, told GNA that they were waiting for a confirmation of the Deputy Minister’s death from the family, before they heard Parliament announced it.
Parliament, on Thursday, March 7, ended proceedings in the House abruptly and adjourned sitting to Friday, March 8, following the demise of the MP.
A staff member at the Ministry who spoke on anonymity expressed shock about the death of the Deputy Minister, saying: “Good men don’t live long.”
“I’m even confused; I just ended up sending a document to a different office because of this. It’s really sad,” another member of staff said.
The lawyer and entrepreneur, was married to Apostle Lilian Kumah, and left behind six children.
The MP assumed office as the Deputy Finance Minister in 2021, and served on Parliament’s Employment, Social Welfare and State Enterprises and Appointment Committees.
He was the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), a centre to stimulate growth in Ghana’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Under his leadership, the programme trained some 7,000 start-ups in 2018 under the Presidential Business Support programme and supported 1,350 beneficiaries with funds.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics with Philosophy at the University of Ghana, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Law) LLB in 2011.
He also had a Professional Law Certificate from the Ghana School of Law in 2013, and admitted to the Ghana Bar in 2013.
Prior to 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.
GNA