In a heartfelt tribute, Former Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has revealed that a few months ago, he observed signs of “pain and turmoil” in his late colleague MP, Dr. John Kumah, who passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu recounted a recent encounter with Dr. Kumah at the economy sub-committee meeting, just two days before his demise, where they exchanged ideas and laughter.
Despite Dr. Kumah’s assurance of bouncing back strongly, Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu noticed he was struggling.
In the lead-up to the passage of the Appropriations Bill in December, they had to wait for Dr. Kumah, who was in Germany for medical treatment.
Despite facing pain and turmoil, Dr. Kumah assured them he would be present on December 20, leading to the passage of the Appropriation Act on December 22.
Two days before his passing, Dr. Kumah smiled affectionately, and in the face of unexpected death, he embraced it like the warrior he was.
Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu expressed deep sorrow at the tragic loss, extending wishes for eternal rest and comforting the family left behind.
Adieu, John. Until we meet again. Fare thee well!
Read Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s full statement below:
John, Hon John Kumah, Member of Parliament for Ejisu & Deputy Minister For Finance.
Just learnt of your passing on — a tragedy of monumental proportions.
Just this Tuesday, we were together at the economy sub-committee of the manifesto committee. I sat right behind you. We spoke and shared ideas, we laughed, and I asked how you were feeling at the end of the day. The positive assurance was that you were bouncing back strongly.
That was reassuring. I could notice, though, that you were struggling a bit.
That was just less than 48 hours ago. And you have transitioned? If such is life, then life must be very, very cruel!
In the lead-up to the passage of the Appropriations Bill on December 22nd, we had to wait on you, learning of the unfortunate circumstances that had taken you to Germany.
The then-Finance Minister, Hon Ken Ofori-Atta and I spoke with you and you assured us that you would be with us on the 20th of December.
It is for this reason that the Appropriation Act was passed on the 22nd of December.
Subsequently, when I saw you, I realised that you had gone through some pain and turmoil, but God was in charge.
Two days ago, you smiled, your usual affectionate smile, an infectious one at that. When death, which we least expected beckoned; you embraced it….. the warrior that you were.
John, may God give you eternal rest and the good Lord comfort the rest of your family that you have left behind.
Adieu, until we meet again. John, Fare thee well!