Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah has died

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has suspended proceedings following the shocking news of the passing of Ejisu MP and Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. John Kumah.

The news reached the house during its session, casting a somber mood over the chamber.

The sudden loss of the deputy finance minister has deeply affected Parliament, with Deputy Finance Minister and MP for Atiwa East, Mrs. Abena Osei-Asare, weeping uncontrollably upon hearing the news.

Dr. John Kumah had been battling an undisclosed illness for some time, leading him to seek treatment in Germany.

Despite his health challenges, he returned to Ghana to ensure the passage of critical revenue measures in the 2024 budget after the minority threatened rejection.

At 45 years old, his passing leaves a significant void.

Dr Kumah earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics with Philosophy, a Bachelor of Art Degree (Law) LLB in 2011 from the University of Ghana and a Professional Law Certificate from the Ghana School of Law in 2013. He was admitted to the Ghana Bar in 2013.

In 2009, he graduated with an Executive Masters degree in Business Administration (Finance), from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

He went on to acquire a Masters in Applied Business Research, from the Swiss Business School in Switzerland in 2019 and received a Doctorate in Business Innovation in November 2020 from the same Business School.

Prior to working for government, Mr. 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.

He was the first Chief Executive Officer for the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), which trained 7,000 startups in 2018 under the Presidential Business Support Programme.

Only two days Dr Kumah donated GH¢120,000 towards repairing the boys’ dormitory at Ejisu Senior High Technical School, which had been damaged by a rainstorm.

He wore several hats- he was an Entrepreneur, a Lawyer, a Politician, and a Preacher.

The legislator is succeeded by his wife and six children.