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Tag: John Kumah

  • Akufo-Addo lauded for championing Presidential Pitch

    Akufo-Addo lauded for championing Presidential Pitch

    Winners of the 5th edition of the Presidential Pitch have praised President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for spearheading the initiative, which aims to empower young entrepreneurs across Ghana.

    The Presidential Pitch, which provides a platform for young innovators to present their groundbreaking ideas, has been hailed as a crucial part of the government’s efforts to foster entrepreneurship.

    Namgwinaa Samuel emerged as the overall winner of Season 5 with his revolutionary Smart Switch System, an innovation that controls energy consumption automatically and allows remote task execution.

    The system also doubles as a security-controlled communication device. For his outstanding achievement, Samuel was awarded the prestigious Dr. John Kumah Prize for Entrepreneurship and Innovation by President Akufo-Addo.

    Samuel’s victory came after a challenging journey. He stood out among over 300 applicants, eventually making it to the top 10 finalists, all of whom were vying for the grand prize of GHC250,000. The Presidential Pitch provided Samuel and other finalists a unique opportunity to showcase their transformative ideas.

    The beneficiaries, including Samuel, expressed their appreciation for the initiative, commending the President’s dedication to nurturing young entrepreneurs and driving innovation in the country.

    During a brief ceremony at the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) office, where certificates and cash prizes were awarded, NEIP Chief Executive Officer Mr. Kofi Ofosu Nkansah emphasized the programme’s impact.

    “The Presidential Pitch has become a catalyst for youth entrepreneurship in Ghana, with a focus on empowering young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality,” he said.

    Mr. Ofosu Nkansah also highlighted NEIP’s broader achievements: “Since its inception in 2017, NEIP has supported over 250,000 beneficiaries with business development assistance, provided starter packs to 35,000 businesses, and facilitated funding for 15,000 entrepreneurs, leading to the creation of over 100,000 jobs.”

    In total, 35 winners were awarded cash prizes ranging from GHC30,000 to GHC250,000, along with certificates of participation. The winners will also benefit from ongoing business advisory services and mentoring through NEIP’s partner business incubation and acceleration hubs in their respective fields.

    The Presidential Pitch, now in its fifth season, continues to be a shining example of the government’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for Ghana’s young innovators.

  • 3rd accomplice in robbery at John Kumah’s wife’s home still at large

    3rd accomplice in robbery at John Kumah’s wife’s home still at large

    The third accomplice involved in the burglary at the home of Lillian Kumah, widow of the late Deputy Minister of Finance John Kumah, is still at large.

    The robbery, which took place on December 29, 2023, targeted valuable personal items, sparking concerns about the safety of residents in the area.

    The burglary occurred at the residence where Lillian has lived for several years, continuing to occupy the family home after the death of her husband, John Kumah, a well-respected figure in Ghanaian politics.

    The criminals managed to gain access to the home, stealing a significant haul of valuable items, including $50,000, GHC50,000, an iPhone 15 Pro Max valued at GH¢15,000, an Apple iPad worth GH¢15,000, a Samsung Z Fold phone costing GHC12,000, a Microsoft laptop worth GH¢7,000, a black school bag valued at GHC400, and an Apple watch.

    The burglars also stole other personal belongings, leaving Lillian shaken and distressed by the intrusion. The community, deeply unsettled by the boldness of the crime, has been vocal in expressing concerns about their own safety and the need for stronger security measures in the area.

    After the burglary was reported, the police swiftly launched an investigation, including the review of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage from the area. This led to the identification and subsequent arrest of two suspects: Adams Sanogo, a trader, and Rabiu Falilu, a Senior High School leaver. Both suspects were charged with conspiracy and dishonestly receiving stolen goods.

    Despite the progress in the case, a third accomplice, identified as Kwame Dunga, remains on the run. The police have been actively searching for Dunga, who is believed to have played a significant role in the crime but has so far evaded capture.

    Sanogo and Falilu have been granted bail, each set at GH₵200,000, along with other conditions. However, the community’s concern remains high, as the third suspect’s continued absence poses a potential threat to security.

    The incident has caused widespread anxiety within the Achimota-Mile 7 community, with many residents calling for increased security measures, particularly for vulnerable groups such as widows and elderly individuals. The community is pushing for improved police presence and enhanced surveillance systems to help deter future criminal activities.

    With the police continuing their search for the elusive accomplice, residents are hopeful that heightened security efforts will bring swift justice and restore a sense of safety to their community.

  • Two persons arrested for robbing John Kumah’s widow denied bail

    Two persons arrested for robbing John Kumah’s widow denied bail

    The Accra Circuit Court Two denied bail on Friday to two individuals accused of stealing cash, electronics, and other items from Reverend Lillian Kumah, widow of the late former Deputy Minister of Finance, John Kumah.

    The accused, Adams Sanogo, a trader, and Kwame Dunga, who remains at large, are alleged to have conspired to steal US$50,000, GH¢50,000, an iPhone 15 Pro Max valued at GH¢15,000, and other valuables from Reverend Kumah, whose husband passed away in February.

    The stolen items also include an Apple iPad valued at GH¢15,000, a Samsung Z Fold mobile phone worth GH¢12,000, a Microsoft laptop valued at GH¢7,000, a black school bag priced at GH¢400, and an Apple Watch.

    Rabiu Falilu, a recent Senior High School (SHS) graduate, is also accused of receiving some of the stolen goods dishonestly.

    Sanogo and Falilu, who were apprehended in the Ashanti Region and transferred to the Accra Police, have denied the charges. They were remanded into police custody last Friday to assist with the ongoing investigation and to help locate Dunga, who is still on the run.

    The court, presided over by Isaac Addo, denied the bail request made by their lawyer, Benjamin Ofori. The accused are scheduled to reappear on August 7, 2024.

    Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Raymond Ackom reported that Reverend Kumah, who lives in Achimota-Mile 7 in Accra, discovered the theft on December 29, 2023. The intruder accessed her home and stole personal belongings. Reverend Kumah provided the Police with CCTV footage of the incident.

    On July 24, 2024, police arrested Falilu in Jamasi, Ashanti Region, where he was found with the stolen iPhone 15 Pro Max. Falilu led the Police to Adum PZ in Kumasi, resulting in Sanogo’s arrest. During interrogation, Sanogo admitted to selling the phone to Falilu and implicated Dunga, a mobile phone dealer at Adum PZ, as his accomplice.

    Sanogo and Falilu were charged and brought before the court, while efforts continue to apprehend Dunga.

    In their bail application, the defense argued that Sanogo and Falilu had stable addresses, were not flight risks, and had credible sureties.

    They also claimed that Sanogo was a middleman and Falilu a mere SHS leaver who cooperated with the Police.

    The prosecution opposed bail, arguing that the accused might interfere with the investigation, fail to appear in court, and had been evading arrest since 2023. The Police, who had deployed intelligence officers to the Ashanti Region, arrested them only recently.

  • Court denies bail for two suspects in $50k, GHC50k, iPhone 15 theft from John Kumah’s Wife

    Court denies bail for two suspects in $50k, GHC50k, iPhone 15 theft from John Kumah’s Wife

    On Friday, the Accra Circuit Court Two denied bail to Adams Sanogo and Kwame Dunga, who allegedly stole money and various electronics from Reverend Lillian Kumah, widow of the late John Kumah, former Deputy Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Ejisu.

    Sanogo, a trader, and Dunga, who is still at large, are accused of stealing $50,000, GH¢50,000, an iPhone 15 Pro Max valued at GH¢15,000, an Apple iPad valued at GH¢15,000, a Samsung Z Fold phone valued at GH¢12,000, a Microsoft laptop worth GH¢7,000, a school bag valued at GH¢400, and an Apple watch of unknown value.

    Rabiu Falilu, a recent Senior High School (SHS) graduate, is also charged with receiving stolen goods.

    The suspects, apprehended in the Ashanti Region, have denied the charges and are in police custody to aid in the ongoing investigation and the pursuit of Dunga. Presiding judge Mr. Isaac Addo rejected the bail request from the defense counsel Mr. Benjamin Ofori, citing the case’s sensitivity and the public interest.

    The suspects are due back in court on August 7, 2024.

    According to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr. Raymond Ackom, the theft occurred on December 29, 2023, at Reverend Kumah’s residence in Achimota-Mile 7, Accra. The stolen items were reported to the police along with CCTV footage.

    Police investigations led to Falilu’s arrest on July 24, 2024, in possession of Reverend Kumah’s iPhone 15 Pro Max. He subsequently led police to Sanogo in Kumasi, who admitted to selling the phone and implicated Dunga, another phone dealer, who remains at large.

    Sanogo and Falilu were charged and brought before the court. Despite Mr. Ofori’s arguments that the accused were not flight risks and had cooperated with police, the prosecution maintained that releasing them could jeopardize the investigation and trial, especially as they had been evading authorities since 2023.

    Efforts to apprehend Dunga continue.

  • $30m was in John Kumah’s bank account when he died – NPP member

    $30m was in John Kumah’s bank account when he died – NPP member

    Adum Bawuah, a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has made shocking revelations about the late Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah, claiming that the minister had $30 million in his account at the time of his death.

    In an interview on TOP FM, Bawuah expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in the country and criticized members of his own party.

    He alleged that while members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are corrupt, NPP members are “100 times corrupt” and are actively stealing from the state.

    Mr Bawuah went on to claim that upon John Kumah’s death, an investigation into his finances revealed the staggering amount of $30 million in his account.

    He questioned how Dr Kumah could have amassed such wealth after just three years of working as a deputy minister.

    John Ampontuah Kumah, who served as the Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Ejisu, passed away a few months ago.

    His burial service, held on May 18, was a solemn occasion attended by government officials, family members, and constituents who praised him for his contributions to the Ejisu Constituency.

    During the service, Kumah’s widow, Lilian Kumah, paid tribute to her late husband, describing him as her “everything.”

  • Sad video: Late John Kumah’s wife weeps uncontrollably

    Sad video: Late John Kumah’s wife weeps uncontrollably

    Widow of the late John Kumah, Member of Parliament for Ejisu, Apostle Lilian Kumah, could not hide her immense sorrows over the weekend when she buried her late husband, Dr John Kumah.

    She cried uncontrollably as other family members held her to keep her from falling.

    She also bravely fought back tears to deliver a heartfelt tribute to the former Deputy Minister of Finance.

    Her nine-minute tribute began with worship songs, sung from the podium where she stood, supported by about a dozen people.

    Her nine-minute tribute started with worship songs from the podium where she stood surrounded by about a dozen people.

    “We shall meet again in Jerusalem for indeed it is a pure land. I know one day we will meet again in the pure land where there is no hatred, rancour, anger or ill-feeling, we shall meet where our love will unite with that of God.

    “For some, it is a big politician lost, others have lost a top civil servant and for many others, their benefactor is gone. But for me, I have lost my everything. You were my everything.

    “My number one fan, my lover, my motivator, my teacher and even in my pastoral journey, my Spiritual Father,” she stated recounting how she met John Kumah after coming to Accra to seek greener pastures having failed Senior High School exams.

    The body of the late John Kumah arrived in Kumasi aboard a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter on Friday, May 17, 2024, marking the beginning of a solemn day of mourning for the former public servant.

    In an emotional scene captured on video and shared on YouTube, family, friends, and constituents were seen and heard shedding tears as Kumah’s body was transferred from the helicopter to a hearse.

    John Kumah passed away at the Suhum Government Hospital on March 7 at the age of 45.

    He was being transported to Accra for further medical attention when his condition worsened, necessitating a stopover in Suhum. Initially, he was slated to be flown to Germany for treatment of an undisclosed ailment.

  • VIDEO: Diana Asamoah captivates audience with an outstanding performance at John Kumah’s funeral

    VIDEO: Diana Asamoah captivates audience with an outstanding performance at John Kumah’s funeral

    Gospel musician Diana Asamoah attended the funeral of the late former Minister of Finance, John Kumah, held on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

    Diana, clad in an all-black outfit, delivered one of her hit songs titled “Mo mmo no ose” to encourage the bereaved family.

    As she sang, attendees joined in, with many appearing sorrowful and continuing to mourn during the event.

    Kumah, who was also the MP for Ejisu, passed away on March 7, 2024.

    His burial and final funeral rites were held in his hometown, Onwe, in the Ejisu constituency.

    Scores of people attended the funeral in Onwe, with NPP members serving as chief mourners alongside the family.

    The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, was visibly grief-stricken as he arrived and filed past the body of the late Deputy Minister of Finance, with whom he had a very good relationship.

    The Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, was part of the delegation, as were the National Chairman of the NPP, Stephen Ayesu Ntim, and General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong.

    Several Ministers of State, NPP MPs, and NPP party executives were also in attendance.

    Actor Agya Koo, a known affiliate of the NPP, was also present at the event.

    Watch video below:

  • Alan Kyerematen stylishly ignores Wontumi’s handshake at John Kumah’s funeral

    Alan Kyerematen stylishly ignores Wontumi’s handshake at John Kumah’s funeral

    At the May 18, 2024 funeral of late Ejisu lawmaker John Kumah, political figures from across the spectrum gathered to honor his memory.

    Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia led the government delegation, praising Kumah as a friend and a significant loss.

    Prominent attendees included Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, and other key NPP figures such as National Chairman Stephen Ntim and General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, who delivered the party’s tribute.

    A notable moment captured on video showed former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen avoiding a handshake with Wontumi.

    The footage depicted Wontumi extending his hand towards Kyerematen, who turned away to speak with someone else, resulting in an awkward encounter.

    The tension between Alan and Wontumi traces back to the NPP presidential flagbearership contest, with Wontumi supporting Bawumia and publicly clashing with Alan.

    Alan, who has since left the NPP and is running as an independent presidential candidate, had previously warned Wontumi to be respectful, leading to a strained relationship.

    Watch the video below:

  • Video: My all in all, we shall meet where our love will unite – John Kumah’s widow’s full tribute

    Video: My all in all, we shall meet where our love will unite – John Kumah’s widow’s full tribute

    Widow of the late John Kumah, Member of Parliament for Ejisu, Apostle Lilian Kumah bravely fought back tears to deliver a heartfelt tribute to the former Deputy Minister of Finance.

    Her nine-minute tribute began with worship songs, sung from the podium where she stood, supported by about a dozen people.

    Her nine-minute tribute started with worship songs from the podium where she stood surrounded by about a dozen people.

    “We shall meet again in Jerusalem for indeed it is a pure land. I know one day we will meet again in the pure land where there is no hatred, rancour, anger or ill-feeling, we shall meet where our love will unite with that of God.

    “For some, it is a big politician lost, others have lost a top civil servant and for many others, their benefactor is gone. But for me, I have lost my everything. You were my everything.

    “My number one fan, my lover, my motivator, my teacher and even in my pastoral journey, my Spiritual Father,” she stated recounting how she met John Kumah after coming to Accra to seek greener pastures having failed Senior High School exams.

    The body of the late John Kumah arrived in Kumasi aboard a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter on Friday, May 17, 2024, marking the beginning of a solemn day of mourning for the former public servant.

    In an emotional scene captured on video and shared on YouTube, family, friends, and constituents were seen and heard shedding tears as Kumah’s body was transferred from the helicopter to a hearse.

    John Kumah passed away at the Suhum Government Hospital on March 7 at the age of 45.

    He was being transported to Accra for further medical attention when his condition worsened, necessitating a stopover in Suhum. Initially, he was slated to be flown to Germany for treatment of an undisclosed ailment.

    The late MP is survived by his wife, Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah, and their six children.

  • John Kumah to be buried today

    John Kumah to be buried today

    The final funeral rites for the late Member of Parliament for Ejisu and Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. John Kumah, will be held today, Saturday, May 18, 2024.

    As directed by the family, the funeral arrangements will take place in Onwe, a suburb of Ejisu, where his one-week observation was previously conducted.

    John Kumah’s sudden passing on March 7, 2024, at the age of 45, sent shockwaves throughout Ghana, leaving a significant void in both the political and personal spheres.

    He is survived by his wife and six children.

    On Friday, a wave of sorrow swept over relatives, sympathizers, and constituents as they gathered to witness the arrival of his remains.

    The late MP’s remains were transported to Ejisu and then to his residence in Donaso for the burial and final funeral rites scheduled for today.

    Funeral Arrangements:

    Laying in State: Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Onwe Roman Catholic School Park, beginning at 5 am.

    Burial Service: Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Onwe Roman Catholic School Park, commencing at 10 am.

    Interment: Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Aduapakye Royal Cemetery.

    Final Funeral Rites: Onwe Roman Catholic School Park, from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

    Thanksgiving Service: Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Onwe Roman Catholic School Park.

  • Video: John Kumah’s mortal remains arrive in Kumasi ahead of today’s funeral

    Video: John Kumah’s mortal remains arrive in Kumasi ahead of today’s funeral

    The mortal remains of the late Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah, arrived in Kumasi on May 17, 2024, ahead of his funeral today, May 18.

    Kumah, who was also the Member of Parliament for Ejisu, was transported via a Ghana Armed Forces helicopter, marking the beginning of a solemn day of mourning for the public servant.

    In an emotional scene captured on video and shared on YouTube, family, friends, and constituents were seen and heard shedding tears as Kumah’s body was moved from the helicopter to a hearse.

    Kumah passed away at the Suhum Government Hospital at the age of 45 on March 7.

    He was being transported to Accra for further medical attention when his condition worsened, necessitating a stopover in Suhum.

    He was initially slated to be flown to Germany for treatment of an undisclosed ailment.

    The late MP is survived by his wife, Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah, and their six children.

  • John Kumah to be laid to rest tomorrow

    John Kumah to be laid to rest tomorrow

    The final funeral rites for the late Member of Parliament for Ejisu and Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah, will be held on May 18, 2024.

    The funeral arrangements, according to the family’s directives, will take place at Onwe, a suburb of Ejisu, where his one-week observation was also held.

    Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah passed away suddenly on March 7, 2024, at the age of 45, leaving behind a wife and six children. His death has deeply saddened many in Ghana, as he was highly regarded in both political and personal circles.

    The funeral arrangements are as follows:

    • Laying in State: Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Onwe Roman Catholic School Park, starting at 5 am.
    • Burial Service: Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Onwe Roman Catholic School Park, beginning at 10 am.
    • Interment: Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Aduapakye Royal Cemetery.
    • Final Funeral Rites: Onwe Roman Catholic School Park, from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
    • Thanksgiving Service: Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Onwe Roman Catholic School Park.
  • 7,000 police officers, 6 contenders, 92,564 voters – Find out what is happening at Ejisu today

    7,000 police officers, 6 contenders, 92,564 voters – Find out what is happening at Ejisu today

    Today, April 30, voters in the Ejisu constituency will cast their votes to choose a new Member of Parliament. This follows the passing of John Kumah, who was elected under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) ticket in 2020.

    Kumah, serving as deputy finance minister, has been chosen as the NPP candidate for the December 2024 elections. Interestingly, the main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), opted not to nominate a candidate, citing its intention to concentrate efforts on the broader 2024 general elections.

    We examine significant figures related to the election organization. Given that the vote is situated in the Ashanti Region, traditionally a stronghold for the NPP, expectations lean towards their victory.

    Six aspirants

    The Electoral Commission (EC), weeks back announced that six aspirants were in the race. Three party-backed candidates and three independent candidates.

    The list in order of their appearance on the ballot paper is as follows:

    1. Esther Osei (CPP)
    2. Kwabena Boateng (NPP)
    3. Beatrice Boakye (LPG)
    4. Kwabena Owusu Aduomi (Independent)
    5. Gabriel Agyemang Joseph (Independent)
    6. Attakorah Joseph (Independent)

    92564 voters on voters register

    Based on the 2020 voter population record of the EC, there are over 92,000 votes available in the Ejisu constituency. In the previous election, John Ampontuah Kumah (NPP) secured 68,326 votes, accounting for 82.83% of the total votes, while his closest rival, George Kwame Huze (NDC), received 14,164 votes, constituting 17.17%.

    To ensure security during the election, over 7,000 police officers will be deployed, as reported by Starr FM. The Inspector-General of Police, George Akuffo Dampare, has assured that the peaceful atmosphere witnessed in the Assin North and Kumawu by-elections will be replicated.

    Voting typically commences at 8 am and concludes at 5 pm, after which the ballots will be counted, collated, and the winner declared.

  • Sit down! Take a decision if you want to see change – John Kumah’s widow preaches

    Sit down! Take a decision if you want to see change – John Kumah’s widow preaches

    Widow of the late NPP politician John Kumah, Rev. Lilian Kumah, has opened up about her decision not to pursue her husband’s position.

    In a sermon, Lilian Kumah shared her perspective, emphasizing her commitment to God and finding joy in her chosen path.

    As a mother of four, she preached about life choices and the significance of knowing one’s direction.

    This revelation sheds light on why Lilian Kumah declined to vie for her late husband’s seat. Despite expectations from many that she would enter the political arena, she opted to step aside, allowing others the opportunity to pursue it.

    Subsequently, NPP politician Kwabena Boateng emerged victorious in the Ejisu primaries, setting the stage for an upcoming by-election.

    Watch the video below;

  • Why has no one been arrested for John Kumah’s death? – Asiedu Nketia quizzes

    Why has no one been arrested for John Kumah’s death? – Asiedu Nketia quizzes

    Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has expressed concern over the lack of progress in solving the murders of some Members of Parliament from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    During an interview on JoyNews’ PM Express, Mr. Nketia raised alarm about the increasing trend of violence in Ghanaian politics, stating, “The country is degenerating into a situation where people can kill for power and get away with it.”

    He referred to the cases of J.B. Danquah Adu, Ekow Quansah Hayford, and John Kumah, alleging that all these MPs were killed under mysterious circumstances.

    “We have J.B. Danquah Adu (MP for Abuakwa North) who was stabbed to death in his bedroom. Then Ekow Quansah Hayford (MP for Mfantseman) was shot on a highway. All we heard of his matter was that his wife should take his place. And this current one, John Kumah (MP for Ejisu). After his death, we’ve had someone go on a TV station claiming that he was poisoned. This individual mentioned the name of the hotel where he ate the food and the person who served the food and bragged that he was available to testify to all the claims he was making.

    “This individual is walking, nothing has happened, no hotel manager has been apprehended and NPP is approaching this as if they are just filling the vacancy and nothing else,” he said on Wednesday.

    Expressing frustration over the lack of closure in these cases, Mr. Nketia criticized the authorities for failing to apprehend the perpetrators. He called for urgent action from the police and demanded transparency in the investigation process.

    The NDC Chairman urged the police to address the nation and provide updates on the progress of the investigations into these deaths. He also called on the government to prioritize the safety of elected officials and ensure that such heinous crimes do not go unpunished.

    “This is a critical issue, the police should be addressing the nation, as to the steps they are taking. We haven’t heard anything so far. We haven’t heard anything about how they are proceeding to find the killers of the Mfantseman MP. For J.B. Danquah Adu’s case, the state withdrew the case and there was a public outcry they claimed they were investigating the issue, at some point they said the laptop of the doctor who carried out the post-mortem had been stolen, such cock and bull stories. About three MPs have been killed and all that we hear is that their wives have been rehabilitated into parliament to replace their husbands. Is that where our democracy is moving?” he quizzed.

  • We won’t benefit from John Kumah’s death – NDC backs out of Ejisu by-election

    We won’t benefit from John Kumah’s death – NDC backs out of Ejisu by-election

    Ashanti Regional Organizer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) NDC, Isham Alhassan, has announced the opposition party’s decision to refrain from competing in the Ejisu by-election.

    Mr Alhassan cited worries about resource wastage and the need to desist from benefiting from the death of John Kumah, who was the MP for Ejisu prior to his demise.

    He expressed, “We don’t want to profit from [John Kumah’s] demise. Considering the time frame, if the Electoral Commission does not hold the election before May, any political party participating in this election would simply incur financial losses for the party.”

    Alhassan reiterated the NDC’s commitment to securing victory for the party’s flagbearer John Mahama in the December elections, affirming that the party is currently focused on thorough preparations for that pivotal contest.

    He asserted, “I can confidently say that the NDC will not compete in this by-election. Our aim is to win the election for His Excellency John Mahama, so all our preparations are directed towards the December election, and that remains our priority.”

    The parliamentary seat became vacant following the passing of John Ampontuah Kumah, a Member of Parliament from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), on March 7, 2024, after a brief illness.

    The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region has announced that a final decision regarding the party’s participation in the upcoming Ejisu by-election will be made on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. John Kumah, aged 45, passed away after a brief illness, leaving behind a wife and six children.

    Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the NDC’s Ashanti Regional Secretary, disclosed this information in an interview on Citi TV on Monday, April 9.

  • Honour John Kumah, leave Ejisu seat for NPP -Chairman Wontumi tells NDC

    Honour John Kumah, leave Ejisu seat for NPP -Chairman Wontumi tells NDC

    Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP),Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has issued a heartfelt plea to all political factions, notably the primary opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), urging them to abstain from participating in the upcoming by-election in the Ejisu Constituency.

    Chairman Wontumi emphasized the paramount importance of paying homage to the late MP of the constituency, John Kumah. He stressed that Kumah’s profound legacy and dedicated service to both the Ejisu Constituency and the nation merit profound recognition and respect.

    In light of this, Chairman Wontumi called upon all constituents to unite in solidarity, striving to uphold the late MP’s honor by ensuring that the by-election seat remains uncontested by competing political entities.


    “All the constituents of Ejisu should help us send a signal to the NDC that we are serious. If it is possible, they (NDC) shouldn’t contest. But if they want to contest, we will turn our seriousness into a vote for the NPP for them to see that we love John by showing love to his replacement,” Chairman Wontumi asserted.

    The NPP stalwart acknowledged the party’s confidence in securing victory in the upcoming by-election. However, he urged other political parties to carefully weigh the broader implications of their participation in the electoral process.


    “We are left with only 8 months to the general elections. Even though the NPP will win, if you want to contest, we will do our campaign to win massively.
    “It will be nice for both sides to see that we are using this by-election in honour of John Kumah,” he added.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsFLKlXij4M
  • Ejisu seat: Let me be Ronaldo to replace Messi – Nyantakyi ‘brags’ about his competency

    Ejisu seat: Let me be Ronaldo to replace Messi – Nyantakyi ‘brags’ about his competency

    In a discussion about finding a replacement for the late Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu, John Kumah, former president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Kwesi Nyantakyi, drew a parallel between football and politics.

    Nyantakyi compared Kumah’s significance in politics to that of soccer icon Lionel Messi, highlighting the need for a candidate of similar calibre to fill his shoes.

    He stressed the importance of selecting a suitable replacement for Kumah who possesses the same high level of skill and capability.

    “If Lionel Messi plays a match and gets injured, will you take anybody at all to go and replace him? You need Cristiano Ronaldo, Mbappe, or Haaland, you understand?” Nyantakyi said this in an interview with GhOne TV on April 4, 2024.

    The former GFA president, who claims to have been approached several times by residents of Ejisu since 2012, expressed his willingness to vie for the MP position.

    Describing himself as the “Ronaldo” equivalent, he suggests that he has the requisite skills to step into the void left by Kumah’s passing.

    “I am Ronaldo and I think that I should be brought in to replace Lionel Messi,” he added.

    The NPP has announced that the nominees will undergo vetting on April 6, 2024.

    Following this, more than 1000 party delegates are anticipated to take part in the primary on April 13, 2024, to select a candidate for the upcoming by-election.

  • John Kumah is Messi, I am Ronaldo so I can replace him – Nyantakyi

    John Kumah is Messi, I am Ronaldo so I can replace him – Nyantakyi

    Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Kwasi Nyantakyi, has expressed his desire to replace the late Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu and Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah.

    His bid to contest the seat has been met with public outcry due to his alleged involvement in corruption, as revealed in the famous Number 12 expose.

    Despite this, Nyantakyi believes he is the best candidate for the job, likening himself to Cristiano Ronaldo who must replace Lionel Messi, referring to John Kumah.

    “If Lionel Messi plays a game and gets injured, will you go and take anybody at all to replace him? You need Cristiano Ronaldo or Mbappe or Haaland…I am the Ronaldo that should be brought to replace Lionel Messi [John Kumah],” he stated.

    Nyantakyi is one of nine aspirants who have picked up nominations to contest the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary primary for Ejisu.

  • Kwesi Nyantakyi, Lawyer Portia Acheampong Abronye ; 7 others vie for vacant Ejisu seat after MP’s demise

    Kwesi Nyantakyi, Lawyer Portia Acheampong Abronye ; 7 others vie for vacant Ejisu seat after MP’s demise

    The recent passing of the Member of Parliament for Ejisu, John Kumah has ignited a flurry of political activity in the constituency.

    Nine members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are gearing up to compete for the now-vacant seat, creating a vibrant electoral atmosphere.

    According to a report from 3news.com, the race includes several prominent contenders.

    Notably, Kwesi Nyantakyi, former President of the Ghana Football Association, made his intentions clear during the ruling party’s campaign launch in the Ashanti Region.

    Also in the running is Abena Pokuaa Boaitey, known as ‘Ejisu Bronii,’ making her fifth bid to secure the constituency’s mandate.

    She serves as the CEO of Golden Beach Hotels Group.

    Joining the competition is Lawyer Portia Acheampong Abronye, the wife of the NPP’s Bono Region Chairman.

    Additionally, Helena Mensah, the current Presiding Member of the Ejisu Municipal Assembly, has entered the race, alongside former Presiding Member Michael Owusu.

    Further intensifying the contest, Kofi Agyapong, the current Constituency Chairman of the Ejisu Municipal Assembly, is also vying for the seat. Kwabena Boateng, an executive member of the assembly, has thrown his hat into the ring as well.

    Rounding out the list of contenders is Dr. Evans Duah, a lecturer at the Akenten Appiah Menkah University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), signaling a diverse and competitive field of candidates seeking to fill the void left by John Kumah’s untimely demise.

  • Ex-GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi, eight others join race for John Kumah’s Ejisu seat – Report

    Ex-GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi, eight others join race for John Kumah’s Ejisu seat – Report

    After the passing of John Kumah, the Member of Parliament for Ejisu, the constituency has become a hub of political activity as nine members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gear up to compete for the vacant seat.

    Among the prominent contenders is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former President of the Ghana Football Association, whose participation at the Ashanti Region campaign launch of the ruling party indicated his interest in running for the position.

    Also in the running is Abena Pokuaa Boaitey, known as ‘Ejisu Bronii,’ making her fifth bid to secure the constituency’s mandate.

    She serves as the CEO of Golden Beach Hotels Group.

    Lawyer Portia Acheampong Abronye, wife of the NPP’s Bono Region Chairman, has also joined the race, along with Helena Mensah, the current Presiding Member of the Ejisu Municipal Assembly.

    Former Presiding Member of the Ejisu Municipal Assembly, Michael Owusu, has declared his intention to vie for the seat as well.

    Additionally, the current Constituency Chairman of the Ejisu Municipal Assembly, Kofi Agyapong, has thrown his hat into the ring, alongside executive member Kwabena Boateng.

    Dr. Evans Duah, a lecturer at the Akenten Appiah Menkah University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), has also announced his candidacy for the parliamentary seat.

  • You are insensitive for celebrating 80th birthday at John Kumah’s one-week observance – TEIN Executive slams Akufo-Addo

    You are insensitive for celebrating 80th birthday at John Kumah’s one-week observance – TEIN Executive slams Akufo-Addo

    Communications Officer for TEIN, the Tertiary students’ wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Salim Adams, has chastised President Akufo-Addo for allegedly celebrating his 80th birthday at the one-week observance for the late Ejisu MP and Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah.

    President Akufo-Addo on Friday, March 29, celebrated his 80th birthday, a day that coincided with the one-week observance for the late MP, who passed away on March 7 this year.

    During the solemn ceremony, a group of individuals decided to celebrate the president’s birthday despite the gloomy scene at Onwe in Ejisu of the Ashanti Region.

    They sang the happy birthday song for the President, who per a video gone viral, could not stop laughing.

    According to Salim Adams, it was insensitive on the part of the President to allow himself to be celebrated at a time when the Kumah family is mourning their dearly departed.

    In a post on X, he wrote, “Such an Insensitive thing to do, John Kumah Died @ 45years and at his one week funeral rite, that’s where Nana Addo decided to celebrate his 80th Birthday?.. are these people really serious”

    During a part of the observance, hundreds of mourners wept uncontrollably. Among the mourners, mostly clad in red and black, were the members of ruling NPP, clergy, MPs, members of other political parties and the general public.

  • NPP to elect parliamentary candidate for Ejisu by-election on April 13

    NPP to elect parliamentary candidate for Ejisu by-election on April 13


    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has scheduled Saturday, April 13, 2024, as the date for the Parliamentary Candidate election for the Ejisu constituency by-election, following the passing of the MP and Deputy Finance Minister, John Ampontuah Kumah.

    In a statement released by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, interested parliamentary aspirants are invited to purchase and submit their nomination forms at the constituency party office between Tuesday, April 2, and Thursday, April 4, 2024.

    To obtain Nomination Forms, aspiring candidates are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of GHȼ3,000 in bankers draft, payable to the New Patriotic Party National Headquarters, Accra. Additionally, candidates must pay a non-refundable filing fee of GHȼ35,000 in bankers draft, also payable to the NPP National Headquarters, Accra.

    However, the statement stipulates that Women, Youth (aged between 18 and 40 years), and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) will receive a 50% discount on the filing fees, with a requirement to pay GHȼ17,500.

    The approved timeline for the Ejisu by-election by the NPP is as follows:

    • Opening of Nomination: Tuesday, April 2, 2024
    • Closing of Nomination: Thursday, April 4, 2024
    • Election Date: Saturday, April 13, 2024

    An Election Committee (EC) has been established by the party to oversee the process, comprising:

    • Mr. Danquah Smith Butey (Chairman)
    • Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Vice Chairman)
    • Hon. Patricia Appiagyei
    • Mad. Martha Kodua
    • Mr. Evans Nimako (Secretary)
    • Chairperson of the Constituency Council of Elders
    • All Constituency Executives (Ex-officio members)

    The NPP also announced the approval of detailed rules and regulations governing the parliamentary primary, which will be made available to stakeholders.

  • NPP opens 3-day nomination window for April 13th primary over Ejisu by-election

    NPP opens 3-day nomination window for April 13th primary over Ejisu by-election

    The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has scheduled Saturday, April 13, 2024, for the election of a candidate for the Ejisu constituency by-election.

    This election follows the passing of the MP and Deputy Finance Minister, John Ampontuah Kumah, on March 7.

    In preparation for the by-election, the NPP has announced a three-day window, from Tuesday, April 2, to Thursday, April 4, 2024, during which aspirants may purchase and file nominations at the constituency party office.

    Aspiring parliamentary candidates are required to procure Nomination Forms after paying a non-refundable application fee of GHȼ3,000 in bankers draft to the New Patriotic Party National Headquarters, Accra.

    To complete the nomination process, aspirants must also pay a non-refundable filing fee of GHȼ35,000, also in bankers draft to the NPP National Headquarters. However, women, youth (persons aged between 18 and 40 years), and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) will enjoy a 50% rebate on the filing fees, reducing their fee to GHȼ17,500.

    The approved timelines for the Ejisu by-election are as follows:

    • Opening of Nomination: Tuesday, April 2, 2024
    • Closing of Nomination: Thursday, April 4, 2024
    • Election: Saturday, April 13, 2024

    An Election Committee (EC) has been appointed to supervise the process, with Mr. Danquah Smith Butey serving as Chairman and Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako as Vice Chairman. Other members of the committee include Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, Mad. Martha Kodua, and Mr. Evans Nimako as Secretary, among others.

    The NPP has approved detailed rules and regulations to govern the conduct of the parliamentary primary election, which will be made available to stakeholders. As of now, only Kwasi Nyantekyi, former Ghana Football Association president, has publicly declared an interest in seeking to replace the late John Kumah.

    According to the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the Clerk of Parliament is mandated to alert the Electoral Commission of a vacancy within seven days, after which the EC has 30 days to conduct a by-election, or 60 days in the case of a vacancy caused by the death of an MP.

  • I now carry my own water everywhere I go because of John Kumah’s death – Asiedu Nketiah

    I now carry my own water everywhere I go because of John Kumah’s death – Asiedu Nketiah

    National Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has stated that he now carries his own water to drink wherever he goes.

    His comment comes on the back of poisoning claims that surfaced after the sad demise of Deputy Finance Minister Dr John Kumah.

    Asiedu Nketia says he has become more careful with the food and water he eats and drinks when he is outside his home.

    During an interview on Asempa FM, the NDC chairman declined the water they offered and instead chose to drink his own water.

    “That’s why I have my own water now. Normally, I’d drink the water offered, but today I brought my own. Everyone’s carrying their own bottle now… [laughs]. I saw a video of Nana B turning down the water offered to him [laughter],” Asiedu Nketia indicated with laughter.

    On March 7, the death of Deputy Finance Minister Dr John Kumah was announced after a short illness.

    Onua TV presenter Captain Smart, made claims that his death was as a result of food poisoning.

    However, his wife came out to refute the poisoning claims indicating that a condition called Myeloma was rather the cause of his husband’s death.

  • Crowd mobs Bawumia at John Kumah’s one-week observance

    Crowd mobs Bawumia at John Kumah’s one-week observance

    Vice President and flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, led a powerful party delegation to Ejisu in the Ashanti Region for the one-week funeral observation of the late MP for Ejisu and Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah.

    Thousands of mourners from the region gathered in his hometown, Onwe, for the traditional remembrance preceding the main funeral.

    As news of Dr. Bawumia’s arrival spread, scores of people rushed out to catch a glimpse of him. Many led him in a slow procession from the main street to the funeral ground, chanting his name.

    Accompanied by his wife, Samira, Dr. Bawumia exchanged pleasantries with dignitaries, including traditional rulers.

    The atmosphere turned emotional when the Vice President reached the dais reserved for family members of the deceased, including his mother and wife. Dr. Bawumia gave the late MP’s mother, who was in uncontrollable tears, a warm embrace before consoling other family members.

    The Vice President’s delegation included Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei Opare; NPP National Chairman, Steven Ntim; NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua; Ministers and Deputy Ministers of State; MPs; Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako; Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah; and several government appointees.

  • Late Grace Boadu’s boyfriend spotted greeting Akufo-Addo at John Kumah’s one week

    Late Grace Boadu’s boyfriend spotted greeting Akufo-Addo at John Kumah’s one week

    In what marks his first public appearance since the passing of his partner, the late Dr. Grace Boadu, Pastor Kingsley Gyamfi was spotted attending the one-week observation of the late finance minister, John Kumah.

    Residing in Ejisu, Pastor Kingsley took the opportunity to offer condolences to the family of his late MP.

    Upon arrival in his luxurious Ford Fiso vehicle, Pastor Kingsley was greeted with cheers and accolades from the crowd gathered at the funeral grounds.

    He proceeded to the stage where dignitaries were seated and greeted them individually.

    In a circulating video, he was seen exchanging pleasantries with notable figures such as Chief of Staff Nana Frema Opare, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, and others.

    However, some social media users have questioned his connection with these high-profile individuals, while others have criticized the perceived ease of access to the president.

    Meanwhile, the late Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Ejisu in the Ashanti Region, Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah, will be laid to rest on Saturday, May 18, with final funeral rites scheduled for Sunday, May 19.

    At 45 years old, the lawmaker passed away in March after a brief illness, leaving behind a wife and six children.

    Pastor Kingsley Boadu ‘missing’ at Dr. Grace Boadu’s funeral

    It can be recalled that Pastor Kingsley lamented how Dr. Grace Boadu’s family prevented him from attending the funeral of his late partner.

    In that regard, Grace Boadu’s ex-husband was made to play the role of the deceased’s partner at the burial ceremony.

    Prior to the main funeral ceremony, Pastor Kingsley and his entourage were sent back home when they made an appearance at Grace Boadu’s one-week observation.

    In an earlier interview with Kessben FM, he said Grace Boadu’s mother instructed that he shouldn’t be allowed into any of the funeral gatherings.

    He also disclosed how his life had been threatened several times during his relationship with the late herbal doctor.

  • NPP leadership will decide if John Kumah’s wife should run for Ejisu by-election – Ofori-Atta

    NPP leadership will decide if John Kumah’s wife should run for Ejisu by-election – Ofori-Atta

    Former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has addressed calls from some quarters suggesting that Apostle Lilian Kumah, the wife of the late John Kumah, should be allowed to run for the Ejisu seat unopposed.

    Mr Ofori-Atta stated that he cannot explicitly state his position on the matter, as it is a decision that must be made by the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in collaboration with President Akufo-Addo.

    He urged the public to await the decision regarding the contest and to welcome it peacefully, to avoid any chaotic situations as the party prepares for the 2024 general elections.

    Speaking in an interview with Oyerepa TV at the One-Week celebration of the late John Kumah, the journalist asked, “In the Ashanti Region, especially some constituents in Ejisu believe that the party should allow John Kumah’s wife (Lilian) to run unopposed; do you agree with them?

    Ofori-Atta responded: “This is a decision that has to be taken by the party leaders and the president. Let’s wait for their decision so that it will be very respectful, not chaotic. We want it to be in a peaceful manner so that the party will remain united ahead of the elections.”

    Meanwhile, reports emerged recently that former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kwesi Nyantakyi is among those who may contest for the Ejisu seat.

    John Kumah passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the Suhum Government Hospital. According to an autopsy report, the deputy minister had been ill for some time before his death, and it was clarified that his passing was not due to poisoning. Kumah was 45 years old.

    He was considered one of the rising stars in the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and was seen by some factions in the party as a potential running mate to the party’s flagbearer, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    Recently, Kumah overwhelmingly won the party’s parliamentary primaries in his constituency to represent it in the upcoming general elections. He was known as an entrepreneur, preacher, and lawyer.

    Kumah previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) before entering parliament in 2020. He is survived by his wife, Apostle Mrs. Lillian Kumah, and six children.

  • 18th May set for John Kumah’s burial

    18th May set for John Kumah’s burial

    The late Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu in the Ashanti Region, John Ampontuah Kumah, will be laid to rest on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

    The final funeral rites are slated to occur on Sunday, May 19, 2024.

    The 45-year-old legislator passed away earlier this month after a brief illness, leaving behind a wife and six children.

    Known affectionately as Lawyer John Kumah among his constituents, he was widely esteemed for his integrity and dedication to job creation.

    He served as a beacon of hope for both the young and old within his community.

    A one-week observance took place in Ejisu on Thursday, where dignitaries, including Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and sympathizers gathered at Kumah’s hometown to mourn his passing.

    Many attendees, including his constituents, wore red and black attire as a symbol of their grief and sorrow. They fondly remembered Kumah as a diligent individual who devoted his life to public service.

  • John Kumah’s wife, six children break down during his one-week observance

    John Kumah’s wife, six children break down during his one-week observance

    The one-week observation of the late Ejisu Member of Parliament (MP), John Kumah, was a somber occasion as family, friends, and sympathizers gathered to pay their respects.

    The event, held at Ejisu-Onwe in the Ashanti Region, was marked by tears and heartfelt condolences from dignitaries and attendees.

    Despite the support of her relatives, the widow of the late MP, Apostle Mrs. Lilian Ampontua Kumah, was inconsolable, grieving deeply for her loss.

    Also, the six children of the couple per reports, could not also hold back their tears as they mourned their father.

    John Kumah passed away on March 7, 2024, at the age of 45, leaving behind his wife and six children. Details regarding his funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by his family.

  • VIDEO: NAPO spotted at John Kumah’s one week observation

    VIDEO: NAPO spotted at John Kumah’s one week observation

    The Energy Minister, Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, widely known as NAPO, made a significant appearance at the late John Kumah’s one-week commemoration.

    At the event, NAPO, rumored to be a potential running mate, was warmly welcomed by the late MP’s family and friends in Ejisu, echoing chants and praises, signifying him as the favored candidate.

    Accompanied by fellow MPs, NAPO paid respects to the memory of Lawyer John Kumah, the late MP for Ejisu, whose sudden passing on March 7, 2024, has stirred emotions within the NPP ranks.

    Kumah’s unexpected demise on his journey to seek medical treatment abroad has sparked discussions within the party, yet the NPP remains resolute in their determination to secure victory in the upcoming election.

    Reports circulating in the media suggest Kumah succumbed to leukemia, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding his untimely death.

  • One-week observance for John Kumah to be held today

    One-week observance for John Kumah to be held today

    The one-week observation of the late Ejisu Member of Parliament (MP), John Kumah, will be held today, March 28, 2024, at Ejisu-Onwe in the Ashanti Region.

    The ceremony is expected to be attended by a multitude of dignitaries who will come to offer their condolences to the family.

    Government appointees, Ministers, Members of Parliament, leading members of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), as well as political figures from other parties, are also expected to be present.

    John Kumah, who served as a Deputy Finance Minister, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the age of 45.

    He is survived by his wife, Apostle Lilian Kumah, and six children.

  • Akufo-Addo commiserates with John Kumah’s family

    Akufo-Addo commiserates with John Kumah’s family

    President Akufo-Addo expressed his condolences to the family of the late Dr. John Kumah, Member of Parliament for Ejisu and Deputy Finance Minister, after being officially informed of his passing.

    The President praised the late Minister as a vibrant member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) with the potential to achieve great heights in his political career.

    He described Dr. Kumah, who passed away on March 7, as a truthful and hardworking young man and lamented his death as a painful loss.

    The family of the late Minister, led by Kwasi Owusu Twumasi, the Spokesperson, accompanied by some NPP executives, paid a courtesy call on the President at the Jubilee House in Accra to inform him of the death.

    They provided details of the sudden passing of the Minister and the scheduled one-week funeral observation on March 28 in Ejisu-Onwe, Ashanti Region.

    President Akufo-Addo assured the family that he would attend the one-week funeral rites of the late Minister to pay his respects.

    He had earlier in a tribute to the deceased, posted on social media, noted that: “He was a Ghanaian patriot par excellence”. 

    “His unwavering dedication to service, his tireless commitment to the betterment of our nation, and his profound passion for uplifting the lives of the people of Ejisu and Ghana were evident to all who had the privilege of knowing him.” 

    The President said he was saddened by the sudden exit of the Deputy Finance Minister, “whose untimely passing has left us all bereft of a bright, energetic light in our midst”. 

  • One week observation for John Kumah slated for March 28

    One week observation for John Kumah slated for March 28

    The one-week observation ceremony for the late Ejisu Member of Parliament (MP), John Kumah, is scheduled for Thursday, March 28, 2024. It will be held at Ejisu-Onwe in the Ashanti Region.

    The announcement was made by Kwasi Owusu Twumasi, spokesperson for the family of the deceased Deputy Finance Minister, during their visit to President Nana Akufo-Addo on Wednesday.

    Accompanied by New Patriotic Party (NPP) executives, including General Secretary Frimpong Justin Kodua, the visit to the Jubilee House aimed to formally inform President Akufo-Addo of the MP’s passing.

    Expressing his condolences, the President assured the family of his attendance at the ceremony, lamenting John Kumah’s untimely death as a painful loss. He praised the late MP as one of the party’s dynamic youth with leadership potential.

    John Kumah passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the age of 45, leaving behind a wife and six children.

  • Bagbin officially informed of John Kumah’s death by family

    Bagbin officially informed of John Kumah’s death by family

    The family of the late Ejisu MP and Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah, officially notified the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, of his passing during a courtesy call on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

    The bereaved family was received by the First Deputy Speaker and Bekwai MP, Joseph Osei Owusu, on behalf of Mr. Bagbin and Parliament.

    John Kumah passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the Suhum Government Hospital after a brief illness.

    He is survived by his wife, Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah, and six children, and is remembered for his dedication to his family.

    Dr. Kumah served as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer for the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), where he was instrumental in establishing NEIP as a major player in Ghana’s entrepreneurship ecosystem.

    During his tenure, NEIP trained 7,000 startups in 2018 through the Presidential Business Support Programme and provided financial assistance to 1,350 beneficiaries.

    Prior to his government role, Dr. Kumah was a founding member and Managing Partner of Aduaprokye Chambers, a law firm, and also established Majak Associates Ltd, a building and construction company.

  • FLASHBACK: NPP’s Hawa Yakubu poisoned?

    FLASHBACK: NPP’s Hawa Yakubu poisoned?


    In the wake of the recent passing of Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu and Deputy Minister for Finance, John Kumah and the subsequent claims of possible poisoning brought up by media personalities, Captain Smart and Oheneba Asiedu, The Independent Ghana has chanced on a 2007 report by The Daily Guide Newspaper.

    The report delves into the unsettling claims allegedly made by the late New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart Hawa Yakubu, who is reported to have confided in close associates that she had been poisoned, right before her demise.

    Read the full report published by The Daily Guide Newspaper and circulated on ghanaweb.com, myjoyonline.com, and modernghana.com on Thursday, 22 March 2007.

    A number of persons have disclosed that the late Madam Hawa Yakubu had told them before her death that she had been poisoned through ‘someone in her house but said she would recover.

    According to the Greater Accra Regional Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party, Alhaji Yusif Ahmed, who hailed from the same Busanga ethnic group with the late leading member of the ruling party, “she spoke to me on 1st of March this year from London and told me that she had been poisoned. She therefore told me to organize prayers for her recovery.”

    Continuing, he said, “The woman’s voice sounded as though she was responding to treatment. Her voice was a contrast to what I heard at the Maple Hotel sometime ago when she came there for a function.”

    During the meeting at the Maple Hotel, he said the woman told him the same thing, having been poisoned.

    Alhaji Yusif Ahmed, who is very close to the late politician’s family, disclosed that her son, Derrick Yakubu was due to leave for London yesterday to arrange for the return of his mother’s remains to Ghana.

    The Youth Organiser said she bore four children, but one died earlier, with the surviving ones being Derrick, Amanda, and Dieudonne.

    The Castle Correspondent of Daily Guide, Shiela Sackey who interviewed Hawa Yakubu on April 11, 2006 for her column, “Sheila’s Women”, also recalled how the former Bawku Central MP told her that she had been poisoned.

    “She told me that it was off-record and the disclosure preceded the main interview she granted me. That was the time she told me that it was likely that she would contest the NPP Presidential flagbearship.

    “She looked frail and did not even want me to take a picture of her because of her state,” Shiela said.

    In another disclosure, a second-year student of the African Institute of Journalism and Communication, Abdul Karim Nantogmah said that “six months ago, I went to Madam Hawa Yakubu’s house at East Legon which is close to Dr Andani’s residence (the Sanerigu Chief). She was my mentor as she assisted me financially,” he said.

    “When I went to her in the company of my junior brother, we were told that she was not in but when I sent my ID card through a house help in the house, she let me in.

    “She took me to a portion of the house where she sat down to eat a meal of yam and plantain as her hair was being plaited,” he said.

    Nantogmah said Madam Hawa Yakubu told him “My son, you would have come to meet your mother dead”.

    Explaining, she told him that after taking her super that evening she felt an unusual taste in her mouth and started to vomit.

    She said poison had been put in her food by one of her house helps, according to Nantogmah, who said when he probed her further, she only said it was from within but refused to get beyond that.

    A Chinese doctor was called in to offer an initial treatment and he recommended that she be sent to abroad for further treatment.

    “During the visit I saw Alhassan of TV Africa and Mr Larry, the Upper East Chairman of the NPP,” Nantogmah added.

    On the day of her death, Napoleon Abdullai of the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa who was her junior at the Navorongo Secondary School and called from Liberia to ascertain the veracity of the news, said, “The woman is very much respected in Liberia and she took part on the campaign of President Sirleaf Johnson. I am going to call the Presidential aide and break the news to him.”

    Sources close to the hospital have pointed at cancer as the cause of her death.

    Madam Hawa Yakubu died in a London Hospital after being indisposed for a long time.

    About two months ago, rumors hit town that she had died but after a few checks, it was established that it was not true.

    Those who recalled when she told them she was poisoned are unflinching in their position that indeed this woman whom they adored immensely did not die through natural causes.

    Below are screenshots of the reports on ghanaweb.com, myjoyonline.com, and modernghana.com

  • He owns the land; we sold it to him – Oblogo Lante chiefs refutes Computer Man’s lies

    He owns the land; we sold it to him – Oblogo Lante chiefs refutes Computer Man’s lies

    Chiefs and elders of Oblogo Lante, affiliated with the Gbawe Kwetei family in Accra, have affirmed that the land occupied by the Disciples of Christ Ministries (DoCM), led by Apostle Lilian Kumah, widow of the late Deputy Finance Minister and Ejisu Member of Parliament, Dr. John Kumah, was rightfully sold to the church.

    In a press conference held at their palace in Gbawe, the chiefs and elders, represented by Alhaji Abdul Karim, the stool secretary, refuted recent allegations made by Prophet Eric Nana Kwesi Amponsah, also known as “Computer Man” and founder of Hope Generation Ministry International in Oblogo, Manchester.

    Prophet Amponsah claimed that Dr. John Kumah and his wife unlawfully acquired the land for DoCM. The chiefs and elders denounced these claims as false, misleading, and regrettable.

    False claims

    Prophet Eric Nana Kwesi Amponsah, in a recent interview on Adepa TV after the death of Dr. John Kumah, alleged that John Kumah and his wife, Apostle Lilian Kumah, acquired the land at Weija junction illegitimately.

    He also claimed that the land on which the DoCM church is located was occupied by some mechanics who were forcefully removed from the land to pave the way for the DoCM church auditorium to be constructed.

    Rebuttal by Oblogo chiefs

    However, in a rebuttal, the chiefs of Oblogo indicated that the late Dr. John Kumah, his wife, Apostle Lilian Kumah, and the leadership of the Disciples of Christ Ministries have had very fruitful relations with the chiefs and people of Oblogo and that they voluntarily sold the land to the church as well as John Kumah and the wife.

    “The land in question was sold legitimately to the church by we, the chiefs and land owners, several years ago. The church used to be small and they operated a school as well. When they decided to expand, John Kumah and the leadership of the church approached us to assist them in purchasing the land.

    “We accepted their request and we joined forces with them to complete all the necessary paperwork for the purchase of the land. Indeed, there were several people, including mechanics, and tabletop retailers, among others, who were using the land to ply their trade.” Alhaji Abdul Karim, spokesperson for the Oblogo chiefs, stated.

    “John Kumah, his wife, Apostle Lilian Kumah, and the church made it a point to pay everyone who was on the land considerable compensation ahead of their possession of the land before they were moved from it to pave the way for the church to begin its expansion works on the land.

    “The claims of “Computer Man” can therefore not be true and the same should be disregarded. If there is anyone who has landed at Oblogo illegitimately, it is “Computer Man” (prophet Eric Nana Kwesi Amponsah) and not the late Dr John Kumah or his widow, Apostle Lilian Kumah” the Oblogo stool secretary, Alhaji Karim, added.

    Compensation paid

    Mavis Ofosu, the spokesperson for the market for women and men at the Weija junction, affirmed that when the church acquired the land at the Oblogo junction, compensation was provided to all affected traders.

    She clarified that neither Apostle Lilian Kumah nor the DOCM hindered any traders from conducting business at the Weija junction or at the traffic light in front of the church’s main entrance.

    “When the church bought the land, the lady apostle, Lilian Kumah, approached us [the retailers] and negotiated with us on how we could go about our activities without having any negative effects on the church, Miss Mavis Ofosu pointed out.

    Good taxi branch relations

    During his interview on Adepa TV, Prophet Eric Nana Kwesi Amponsah, also known as “Computer Man,” claimed that the late Dr. John Kumah and the DoCM church forcibly relocated the Weija junction taxi branch from their land.

    However, in response to these allegations, Alhaji Mumuni Moro (Papa J), the Vice President of the Weija Junction taxi branch, refuted “Computer Man’s” claims. In an interview with journalists, Papa J stated that the taxi rank remains in its original location and that the relationship between the taxi rank’s leadership, drivers, and Apostle Lilian Kumah and the DoCM is positive and mutually beneficial.

    “The shed you see behind me was constructed by Apostle Lilian Kumah and the DoCM church for the taxi rank. As you can see, the taxi rank is currently functional, and we share a wall with the church, how can anyone therefore say that our land has been taken over by the church?” Alhaji Mumuni Moro said.

    “If you look at the structure up there, it is an office building equipped with state-of-the-art washrooms, which is currently being constructed by the church for the taxi branch. Why would a church that we are alleged to have problems with be doing such benevolent acts for the very people it is fighting with?” Mumuni Moro was further questioned.

  • Wontumi is on borrowed time if John Kumah’s death was due to poison – Oboy Siki

    Wontumi is on borrowed time if John Kumah’s death was due to poison – Oboy Siki

    The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has been urged to consider distributing his assets if the allegations suggesting that former Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah, died from food poisoning hold any merit.

    According to autopsy reports, the former lawmaker for Ejisu in the Ashanti Region, John Kumah, passed away due to Multiple Myeloma, a type of cancer that affects white blood cells known as plasma cells.

    Health professionals elucidate that these cells are crucial for combating infections by producing antibodies, which identify and attack pathogens.

    Controversial Kumawood Actor, Dada Santo, also known as Oboy Siki, has raised concerns that Chairman Wontumi may face a similar fate if the assertions of John Kumah’s demise by food poisoning are accurate.

    Following John Kumah’s passing, Oheneba Nana Asiedu, the Special Aide to Chairman Wontumi, recounted an incident of alleged food poisoning in Tamale during Vice President Dr. Bawumia’s campaign tour, involving John Kumah and Chairman Wontumi.

    In an interview with AMBASSADOR TV, Oboy Siki emphasized that if Chairman Wontumi stands by the claims of his aide, he should consider preparing his will and distributing his possessions.

    “If it is true that they ate poison and through that John Kumah lost his life then nothing on this earth can save Chairman Wontumi. I heard someone saying that Wontumi is still alive because he vomited after taking the food but people shouldn’t forget that food poison is dangerous and no one should joke with it,” he cautioned.

    “Maybe Wontumi’s aide concocted the poison story for his parochial interest but if it is true then I think Chairman Wontumi should start preparing to follow John Kumah,” he added.

    He further urged the Ghana Police Service to conduct thorough investigations into the matter, stressing the importance of vigilance among politicians, celebrities, and others when consuming food from unfamiliar sources or individuals close to them.

    “Now John Kumah’s wife is saying different things and Wontumi aide is also saying different things but I think the Ghana Police Service should conduct investigations into the matter”, he demanded.

    He explained that “Politicians, celebrities and others should be careful about eating from unknown persons and be mindful about people who are close to them”

  • John Kumah was not on list of Bawumia’s running mate hopefuls – Vim Lady

    John Kumah was not on list of Bawumia’s running mate hopefuls – Vim Lady

    Outspoken media personality Afia Pokua, widely known as Vim Lady, has refuted speculations suggesting that the late former Minister of Finance, John Kumah, was being considered as a potential running mate by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

    Vim Lady clarified that Kumah was not among the individuals under consideration to serve as the running mate to Vice President and NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. She emphasized that the late Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ejisu constituency had never expressed any interest in assuming such a role, thus dismissing the claims as unfounded and unsubstantiated.

    Addressing the issue on Okay FM, as monitored by GhanaWeb, Vim Lady emphasized that Kumah’s name was not on the list of candidates being considered for the position of running mate. She reiterated that Kumah had never indicated any desire to become Dr. Bawumia’s running mate, thereby urging the public to disregard such assertions.

    The clarification follows widespread reports suggesting that the late deputy finance minister was being touted as a potential running mate.

    In a related development, an autopsy report has ruled out poisoning as the cause of Kumah’s demise.

    John Kumah passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the Suhum Government Hospital after a prolonged battle with illness. The autopsy results revealed that his death was not related to poisoning. Kumah, aged 45, was a highly esteemed figure within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and was viewed by certain factions within the party as a potential running mate to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

    Prior to his passing, Kumah had secured a resounding victory in the party’s parliamentary primaries in his constituency, positioning him to represent the constituency in the upcoming general elections. He was renowned for his multifaceted roles as an entrepreneur, preacher, and lawyer.

    John Kumah previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) before venturing into parliamentary politics in 2020.

    He is survived by his wife, Apostle Mrs. Lillian Kumah, and six children.

    “John Kumah was never considered by Bawumia as a running mate. He was not on the list. Kumah had never spoken about his interest in becoming the running mate,” she said.

  • Stop granting media interviews; mourn your husband in peace – Afia Schwarzenegger to John Kumah’s wife

    Stop granting media interviews; mourn your husband in peace – Afia Schwarzenegger to John Kumah’s wife

    Outspoken media personality, Valentina Nana Agyeiwaa known popularly as Afia Schwarzenegger has urged wife of late Deputy Finance Minister John Kumah, Lilian Kumah to refrain from public statements and focus on mourning her husband.

    Afia Schwarzenegger emphasised the importance of observing a period of quiet reflection and respect for the deceased, cautioning against engaging with the media or addressing contentious issues before her husband’s burial.

    She warned against succumbing to political pressures to speak publicly, highlighting the potential for inadvertently stirring controversy and advised Lilian Kumah to seek solace and guidance from her faith during this challenging time.

    “The woman [Kumah’s wife] is a pastor, and I know she is not going to do politics, but she should keep quiet. If you follow politicians, you will end up making unnecessary remarks. How can you say, ‘Kumah, who was 45-years-old is better than others.

    “Did she think about it? Let God guide your utterances as a pastor, and don’t speak anyhow. From what you said in the interview, the holy spirit had departed from you. Stop granting interviews and mourn your husband,” she said while speaking in a TikTok live session.

    The socialite’s remarks came after Lilian Kumah’s interview with Accra-based Asaase Radio, where she responded to criticisms surrounding her husband’s demise, including questioning the authenticity of a prophetic prediction.

    Contrary to speculation, an autopsy report confirmed that John Kumah’s death was not due to poisoning but resulted from a prolonged illness.

    The 45-year-old deputy minister was a rising star in the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), known for his entrepreneurial ventures, preaching, and legal expertise.

    John Kumah’s untimely passing on March 7, 2024, has left a void in both political and personal spheres, survived by his wife, Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah, and six children.

  • Widows Lydia Alhassan and Ophelia Hayford are well trained and wise women! – Captain Smart jabs Lilian Kumah

    Widows Lydia Alhassan and Ophelia Hayford are well trained and wise women! – Captain Smart jabs Lilian Kumah

    Renowned media personality Captain Smart has taken a subtle jab at Apostle Lilian Kumah, the widow of deputy finance minister, John Kumah.


    The Onua TV presenter has advised her to take lessons from the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency, Lydia Seyram Alhassan and Member of Parliament (MP) for the Mfantseman constituency, Ophelia Hayford.

    Lydia Seyram Alhassan and Ophelia Hayford’s political journey commenced under tragic circumstances following the untimely death of their husbands, Emmanuel Kyeremanteng Agyarko and Ekow Quansah Hayford respectively.

    According to Captain Smart, widows Lydia Alhassan and Ophelia Hayford refrained from seeking public attention or exposing themselves to the public eye.

    “Can you see how widows Lydia Alhassan and Ophelia are mourning their husbands? Have you seen them in public making noise? Did you ever see them talk about the death of their husbands? They have kept themselves as descent, well-cultured, and trained women. Learn from them,” he added.

    The ongoing rift between Captain Smart and Apostle Lilian Kumah was initiated by Captain Smart’s allegations that John Kumah was deliberately poisoned due to his political ambitions, which he claimed posed a threat to certain party leaders.

    In response, the widow refuted the claims and lodged a complaint with the police, demanding evidence from Captain Smart to support his allegations.

    Reacting to the arrest complaint, Captain Smart emphasized that this challenging period is a time for the widow to isolate herself and mourn her husband, rather than engaging in lengthy discussions to attract attention.

    John Kumah passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024.

    Per reports he collapsed in his office and was promptly transported to a hospital for medical attention.

    Subsequently, due to a deterioration in his condition, he was flown out of the country.

  • Chairman of P.P.N party in the Ashanti region to die soon – Another death prophecy from Nigel Gaisie

    Just as the controversy over the religious leader’s prophecy regarding the late deputy finance minister and Member of Parliament for Ejisu, John Kumah, was beginning to subside, the founder of Prophetic Hill Chapel, Prophet Nigel Gaisie, has made another prophecy of doom concerning a member of a political party based in Kumasi, referred to as P.P.N.


    The prophet, in a Facebook post sighted by TIG Post, revealed that around 5am today, March 13, 2024, he had a vision where he saw that “another great one fell on his neck in the P.P.N. political party.”He “saw two people,” he said.


    In the said vision, the Prophetic Hill leader stated that he “heard Chaiman chairman, why soooo SOON. We see in bits and prophecy in bits. I saw two people.”


    He advised the party to remain vigilant and careful as they seek divine guidance, emphasising the urgent need to address the impending danger.

    “There is an evil hanging around; let them seek the face of the Lord if they can and also be WATCHFUL…..AND GUIDED SAYS ELOHIM…AMEN…

    Over what appears as jabs to critics who will chide him for always foreseeing such occurrences, he jabbed that they ask.However, to show the severity of the matter at hand, he wrote in caps, REGION ASANTEEEEEEE…REGION ASANTEEEE..WOKE UP AND PRAYYYYYYYY…AMEN N AMEN.. he said.”

  • Say something! I beg you – Kwame Sefa Kayi calls out NMC, MFWA, GJA for silence over reports on John Kumah’s death

    Say something! I beg you – Kwame Sefa Kayi calls out NMC, MFWA, GJA for silence over reports on John Kumah’s death

    Renowned journalist and host of Peace FM’s Kokrokoo Show, Kwame Sefa Kayi, has called out three reputable media institutions over their defeaning silence over reports on the cause of Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah’s death.

    The three are the National Media Commission (NMC), Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA).

    The Ejisu Member of Parliament, Dr John Kumah, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Since news broke, there have been contradictory reports on the cause of his death.

    However, the widow of John Kumah, Apostle Lilian Kumah, has stated that her husband did not pass away from food poisoning as alleged by Blessed Godsbrain Smart, commonly known as Captain Smart, a journalist working with Onua TV and FM.

    Instead, she clarified that he bravely fought a severe illness for over a year. Apostle Lilian Kumah explained that her late husband had been struggling with a terminal disease for almost a year since it was diagnosed by his doctors in Germany.

    She emphasized that this illness is what ultimately led to her husband’s passing on Thursday, March 7, 2024, and not food poisoning.

    Throughout the banter on what exactly killed Dr John Kumah, the National Media Commission, Media Foundation for West Africa, Ghana Journalist Association have all remained silent.

    While hosting the Kokrokoo show, Kwame Sefa Kayi implored these institutions to come out and condemn the unprofessional actions by some journalists.

    He noted that the bereaved family has been ambushed and not given the privacy to mourn their loss. According to him, journalists have taken the role of pathologists and failed to live up to standards as expected.

    “It is quite interesting that the National Media Commission, Media Foundation for West Africa, Ghana Journalist Association, these three institutions have said nothing. These are organizations I am aligned with. It is quite interesting. I don’t listen to the comments. We Ghanaians like some of these things.

    “It’s not even been a week, we have not thought of his family, six children but we have turned radio into a pathologist. Journalists have become pathologist. Some have even become prophets. Now as I am condemning what is happening, you’d see the insults that will be hurled at me. We have lost ethics as humans. Someone is dead and in no time people are on radio and TV speculating what killed him.

    “Now we are asking, you that said he died due to poisoning, bring the evidence. Where will you bring it. National Media Commission, GJA, media foundation for West Africa, I’m begging you, say something. We are journalists working, we should be able to look at ourselves and say these are low low dirty standards,” he said.

    On the other hand, Captain Smart has responded to the Apostle’s recent remarks made during an interview on Asaase radio.

    In one of his Maakye shows on Onua TV, the journalist asked the widow about the period in which John Kumah contracted the said illness.

    He sought to find out whether the late Deputy Finance Minister and Ejisu Member of Parliament contracted the said ailment before or after his marriage to Apostle Lilian.

    “You said a terminal illness killed John Kumah. This terminal illness, was it present before you married him or he contracted this terminal illness after your marriage.

    “Did he already have this illness or a bad food he ate brought this about? You are very person who said you cooked for him. Dear widow, when you were going to marry John Kumah, did he have the terminal illness? Go for another interview,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Apostle Lilian Kumah has urged the authorities to swiftly take action against individuals such as Blessed Godsbrain Smart, commonly known as Captain Smart, who has publicly asserted that her late husband was poisoned.

    “Why is it that someone (referring to Captain Smart) has been this bold to claim that he knows for a fact that a person like John Kumah who has served his country virtually all his life, was poisoned, while he was working for his country and party (New Patriotic Party, NPP), why should we sit down and not bring that person to book.

    “If it is true that a person who is not dead but alive claims that he knows how my husband (John Kumah) died and that he was poisoned, and that person is still moving around for the past three weeks, it hurts me, it saddens me and I do not know how best to express my frustrations about these false claims by Captain Smart,” Apostle Lilian Kumah said.

  • Journalists have become pathologists – Kwame Sefa Kayi condemns ‘unprofessional’ reports on John Kumah’s death

    Journalists have become pathologists – Kwame Sefa Kayi condemns ‘unprofessional’ reports on John Kumah’s death

    Renowned journalist and media personality, Kwame Sefa Kayi, has criticized what he describes as unprofessional reporting surrounding the tragic death of John Kumah, the Deputy Finance Minister.

    He noted that the bereaved family has been ambushed and has not been given the privacy to mourn their loss.

    According to him, journalists have taken on the role of pathologists and failed to live up to standards as expected.

    “It’s not even been a week, we have not thought of his family, six children but we have turned radio into a pathologist. Journalists have become pathologists. Some have even become prophets. Now as I am condemning what is happening, you’d see the insults that will be hurled at me. We have lost ethics as humans. Someone is dead and in no time people are on radio and TV speculating what killed him.

    “Now we are asking, you that said he died due to poisoning, bring the evidence. Where will you bring it,” he said on the Kokrokoo show.

    The Ejisu Member of Parliament, Dr John Kumah, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Since news broke, there have been contradictory reports on the cause of his death.

    However, the widow of John Kumah, Apostle Lilian Kumah, has stated that her husband did not pass away from food poisoning as alleged by Blessed Godsbrain Smart, commonly known as Captain Smart, a journalist working with Onua TV and FM.

    Instead, she clarified that he bravely fought a severe illness for over a year. Apostle Lilian Kumah explained that her late husband had been struggling with a terminal disease for almost a year since it was diagnosed by his doctors in Germany.

    She emphasized that this illness is what ultimately led to her husband’s passing on Thursday, March 7, 2024, and not food poisoning.

    Throughout the banter on what exactly killed Dr John Kumah, the National Media Commission, Media Foundation for West Africa, Ghana Journalist Association have all remained silent.

    While hosting the Kokrokoo show, Kwame Sefa Kayi also called out three reputable media institutions over their defeaning silence over reports on the cause of Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah’s death.

    The three are the National Media Commission (NMC), Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA).

    He implored these institutions to come out and condemn the unprofessional actions by some journalists.

    “It is quite interesting that the National Media Commission, Media Foundation for West Africa, Ghana Journalist Association, these three institutions have said nothing. These are organizations I am aligned with. It is quite interesting. I don’t listen to the comments. We Ghanaians like some of these things.

    “National Media Commission, GJA, media foundation for West Africa, I’m begging you, say something. We are journalists working, we should be able to look at ourselves and say these are low low dirty standards,” he said.

    On the other hand, Captain Smart has responded to the Apostle’s recent remarks made during an interview on Asaase radio.

    In one of his Maakye shows on Onua TV, the journalist asked the widow about the period in which John Kumah contracted the said illness.

    He sought to find out whether the late Deputy Finance Minister and Ejisu Member of Parliament contracted the said ailment before or after his marriage to Apostle Lilian.

    “You said a terminal illness killed John Kumah. This terminal illness, was it present before you married him or he contracted this terminal illness after your marriage.

    “Did he already have this illness or a bad food he ate brought this about? You are very person who said you cooked for him. Dear widow, when you were going to marry John Kumah, did he have the terminal illness? Go for another interview,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Apostle Lilian Kumah has urged the authorities to swiftly take action against individuals such as Blessed Godsbrain Smart, commonly known as Captain Smart, who has publicly asserted that her late husband was poisoned.

    “Why is it that someone (referring to Captain Smart) has been this bold to claim that he knows for a fact that a person like John Kumah who has served his country virtually all his life, was poisoned, while he was working for his country and party (New Patriotic Party, NPP), why should we sit down and not bring that person to book.

    “If it is true that a person who is not dead but alive claims that he knows how my husband (John Kumah) died and that he was poisoned, and that person is still moving around for the past three weeks, it hurts me, it saddens me and I do not know how best to express my frustrations about these false claims by Captain Smart,” Apostle Lilian Kumah said.

  • We have lost ethics, the standards are low – Kwame Sefa Kayi on ‘inappropriate’ reports on John Kumah’s death

    We have lost ethics, the standards are low – Kwame Sefa Kayi on ‘inappropriate’ reports on John Kumah’s death

    Kwame Sefa Kayi, a respected journalist and media personality, has strongly criticized what he perceives as unprofessional reporting regarding the tragic passing of John Kumah, the Deputy Finance Minister.

    He expressed concern that the family of the deceased has not been afforded the necessary privacy to mourn their loss, describing the media’s approach as intrusive.

    Sefa Kayi highlighted that journalists have assumed the role of pathologists, delving into details beyond what is necessary and failing to uphold expected standards of sensitivity and professionalism.

    “It’s not even been a week, we have not thought of his family, six children but we have turned radio into a pathologist. Journalists have become pathologists. Some have even become prophets. Now as I am condemning what is happening, you’d see the insults that will be hurled at me. We have lost ethics as humans. Someone is dead and in no time people are on radio and TV speculating what killed him.

    “Now we are asking, you that said he died due to poisoning, bring the evidence. Where will you bring it,” he said on the Kokrokoo show.

    The Ejisu Member of Parliament, Dr John Kumah, passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Since news broke, there have been contradictory reports on the cause of his death.

    However, the widow of John Kumah, Apostle Lilian Kumah, has stated that her husband did not pass away from food poisoning as alleged by Blessed Godsbrain Smart, commonly known as Captain Smart, a journalist working with Onua TV and FM.

    Instead, she clarified that he bravely fought a severe illness for over a year. Apostle Lilian Kumah explained that her late husband had been struggling with a terminal disease for almost a year since it was diagnosed by his doctors in Germany.

    She emphasized that this illness is what ultimately led to her husband’s passing on Thursday, March 7, 2024, and not food poisoning.

    Throughout the banter on what exactly killed Dr John Kumah, the National Media Commission, Media Foundation for West Africa, Ghana Journalist Association have all remained silent.

    While hosting the Kokrokoo show, Kwame Sefa Kayi also called out three reputable media institutions over their defeaning silence over reports on the cause of Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah’s death.

    The three are the National Media Commission (NMC), Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA).

    He implored these institutions to come out and condemn the unprofessional actions by some journalists.

    “It is quite interesting that the National Media Commission, Media Foundation for West Africa, Ghana Journalist Association, these three institutions have said nothing. These are organizations I am aligned with. It is quite interesting. I don’t listen to the comments. We Ghanaians like some of these things.

    “National Media Commission, GJA, media foundation for West Africa, I’m begging you, say something. We are journalists working, we should be able to look at ourselves and say these are low low dirty standards,” he said.

    On the other hand, Captain Smart has responded to the Apostle’s recent remarks made during an interview on Asaase radio.

    In one of his Maakye shows on Onua TV, the journalist asked the widow about the period in which John Kumah contracted the said illness.

    He sought to find out whether the late Deputy Finance Minister and Ejisu Member of Parliament contracted the said ailment before or after his marriage to Apostle Lilian.

    “You said a terminal illness killed John Kumah. This terminal illness, was it present before you married him or he contracted this terminal illness after your marriage.

    “Did he already have this illness or a bad food he ate brought this about? You are very person who said you cooked for him. Dear widow, when you were going to marry John Kumah, did he have the terminal illness? Go for another interview,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Apostle Lilian Kumah has urged the authorities to swiftly take action against individuals such as Blessed Godsbrain Smart, commonly known as Captain Smart, who has publicly asserted that her late husband was poisoned.

    “Why is it that someone (referring to Captain Smart) has been this bold to claim that he knows for a fact that a person like John Kumah who has served his country virtually all his life, was poisoned, while he was working for his country and party (New Patriotic Party, NPP), why should we sit down and not bring that person to book.

    “If it is true that a person who is not dead but alive claims that he knows how my husband (John Kumah) died and that he was poisoned, and that person is still moving around for the past three weeks, it hurts me, it saddens me and I do not know how best to express my frustrations about these false claims by Captain Smart,” Apostle Lilian Kumah said.

  • Did John Kumah contract the terminal illness before or after your marriage? – Captain Smart quizzes Lilian Kumah

    Did John Kumah contract the terminal illness before or after your marriage? – Captain Smart quizzes Lilian Kumah

    Blessed Godsbrain Smart, commonly known as Captain Smart, a journalist working with Onua TV and FM, has reacted to claims by Apostle Lilian Kumah, the widow of the late John Kumah, that her husband died from a terminal illness.

    Contrary to circulating reports, the widow of John Kumah has stated that her husband did not pass away from food poisoning.

    Instead, she clarified that he bravely fought a severe illness for over a year. Apostle Lilian Kumah explained that her late husband had been struggling with a terminal disease for almost a year since it was diagnosed by his doctors in Germany.

    She emphasized that this illness is what ultimately led to her husband’s passing on Thursday, March 7, 2024, and not food poisoning.

    Mrs Lilian Kumah

    Captain Smart has responded to the Apostle’s recent remarks made during an interview on Asaase radio.

    In one of his Maakye shows on Onua TV, the journalist asked the widow about the period in which John Kumah contracted the said illness.

    He sought to find out whether the late Deputy Finance Minister and Ejisu Member of Parliament contracted the said ailment before or after his marriage to Apostle Lilian.

    “You said a terminal illness killed John Kumah. This terminal illness, was it present before you married him or he contracted this terminal illness after your marriage.

    “Did he already have this illness or a bad food he ate brought this about? You are very person who said you cooked for him. Dear widow, when you were going to marry John Kumah, did he have the terminal illness? Go for another interview,” he said.

    Meanwhile, Apostle Lilian Kumah has urged the authorities to swiftly take action against individuals such as Blessed Godsbrain Smart, commonly known as Captain Smart, who has publicly asserted that her late husband was poisoned.

    “Why is it that someone (referring to Captain Smart) has been this bold to claim that he knows for a fact that a person like John Kumah who has served his country virtually all his life, was poisoned, while he was working for his country and party (New Patriotic Party, NPP), why should we sit down and not bring that person to book.

    “If it is true that a person who is not dead but alive claims that he knows how my husband (John Kumah) died and that he was poisoned, and that person is still moving around for the past three weeks, it hurts me, it saddens me and I do not know how best to express my frustrations about these false claims by Captain Smart,” Apostle Lilian Kumah said.

  • John Kumah died of natural causes, no trace of poison – Alleged autopsy report

    John Kumah died of natural causes, no trace of poison – Alleged autopsy report

    A report by a pathologist on the late Member of Parliament for Ejisu, John Ampontuah Kumah, has confirmed that he died of natural causes, Ghanaweb reports in an article.

    Following the death of the Deputy Minister for Finance on Thursday, March 7, 2024, multiple reports attributed his death to poisoning.

    The autopsy, which Ghanaweb says it has intercepted and was conducted at the Police Hospital in Accra, also ruled out the presence of any harmful chemicals, such as poison, in his system.

    “Blood and urine samples tested for alcohol, common drugs, and poisons were negative,” Ghanaweb quoted a part of the toxicology section of the report to have said.

    It was earlier reported that the late Ejisu MP suffered from multiple myeloma, which is a type of blood cancer for which he was undergoing treatment.

    Details of the autopsy addressed to the Coroner at the Kaneshie District Magistrate Court and dated Monday, March 11, 2024, determined the cause of his death to be due to “congestive heart failure,” “severe anaemia,” and “underlying multiple myeloma.”

    According to a family source, the report was officially presented to the family on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, and they are studying it while arrangements are being made to obtain the death certificate.

    GhanaWeb reports that the late John Kumah was undergoing treatment at the University Hospital of Erlangen in Germany for his condition, which at one point led to a fracture in his left arm.

    According to the source, the MP was scheduled to begin active treatment in Germany on March 12, 2024, but was discharged against the doctor’s advice so he could attend the Independence Day celebrations on March 6, 2024, before returning for treatment.

    Following a deterioration in his condition, the MP was being transported from Kumasi to Accra when he died en route.

    The said report, cited by Ghanaweb, is yet to be made available to the public.

  • I have never received any form of financial support from John Kumah – Nigel Gaisie replies widow

    I have never received any form of financial support from John Kumah – Nigel Gaisie replies widow

    The founder and leader of Prophetic Hill Chapel, Prophet Nigel Gaisie, has refuted allegations of ever being financially supported by the late Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah.

    The accusations surfaced from Prophetess Lilian Kumah, the widow of the deceased politician, who claimed in an interview on Asaase Radio that prophet Gaisie utilized information from her husband’s family for his prophecies, suggesting a close relationship between Mr Gaisie and her late husband.

    She also implied that Mr Gaisie had been on her husband’s payroll at some point, although she did not specify in what capacity.

    However, Mr Gaisie vehemently denied these claims, asserting that he had never been financially supported by John Kumah since their initial encounter in 2015.

    “In her audio, she said I was on John Kumah’s payroll but when they were coming to my church, they didn’t even have money…

    “You are a pastor and someone that God has used me to bless before, because of political interest you are able to tell me my wife has left home …before then, she said I was on John Kumah’s payroll, I have never been on John Kumah’s payroll,” Nigel said in an interview on Onua FM on March 12, 2024.

    “2016, were they having money all the times I was preaching for her before building a new palace where they have money to put me on payroll, and can she pay me? At that time God raised me, can she put me on the payroll?” he added.

    Additionally, Gaisie highlighted that the Kumah family was not financially stable during their early interactions.

    He questioned whether they had the financial means to support him, particularly during their initial encounters before they gained financial stability.

    The late Deputy Minister and New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Ejisu in the Ashanti region, John Kumah, passed away on March 7, 2024, at the Suhum Government Hospital.

  • Investigate “bizarre and unfounded statements” surrounding the death of John Kumah – NPP to police

    Investigate “bizarre and unfounded statements” surrounding the death of John Kumah – NPP to police

    Some members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), including constituency executives in the northern region have called on the Ghana Police Service to launch an investigation into the death of the deputy finance minister, John Kumah.

    Speaking to the media, Tamale South Constituency Deputy Secretary, Mahama A. Asanatu, emphasized the need for clarity in the wake of concerning and unfounded statements surrounding the death of the deceased. 

    Addressing the media during a news conference held on Sunday, March 10, 2024, Madam Asanatu called on those making these allegations to substantiate their claims.

    In particular, Asanatu urged individuals spreading what she termed as “bizarre and unfounded statements” about the alleged poisoning of John Kumah to provide vivid and empirical evidence. 

    She emphasized the importance of presenting such evidence to the Ghana Police Service, urging authorities to conduct thorough and proper investigations to either confirm or dismiss the veracity of these claims.

    The Deputy Secretary highlighted the shock and sorrow within the party following the unexpected death of John Kumah, describing him as a beloved figure among party members in the Northern Region. 

    “For purposes of clarity, we want to use this medium to call on the individuals making these rather bizarre and unfounded statements to vivid and empirical evidence to the Ghana Police Service to conduct thorough and proper investigations to establish or otherwise, the veracity of such claims”she added.

    Madam Asanatu acknowledged the impact of Kumah’s support, especially for the youth, and noted that his passing has left many party faithful struggling to come to terms with the loss.

    Addressing the purported food poisoning allegations, she referred to videos circulating on social media suggesting that John Kumah and Chairman Wontumi were given poisoned food during a campaign visit to the Northern Region last year.

    Madam Asanatu expressed the group’s astonishment at these claims and urged those responsible for the allegations to provide concrete evidence to support their narrative.

    Furthermore, she called on the Ashanti regional chairman, Bernard Bosiako Antwi, (Chairman Wontumi), mentioned as one of the individuals allegedly affected by the poisoned food, to make a public statement on the matter.

    She stressed the significance of Wontumi’s role as a party leader and elder, noting that the public deserves clarity on these disturbing developments, especially considering the involvement of media personnel from the Ashanti region in spreading the claims.

  • You won’t lie about our Mövenpick meeting, if you have the Holy Ghost in you! – Prophet Nigel tells John Kumah’s wife

    You won’t lie about our Mövenpick meeting, if you have the Holy Ghost in you! – Prophet Nigel tells John Kumah’s wife

    The General Overseer of the Prophetic Hill Chapel, Prophet Nigel Gaisie, has dared the wife of the late Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. John Kumah, Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah to deny the brief encounter they had at Mövenpick in September when he informed her that he wanted to speak to the late John Kumah about a revelation he had of him.

    In a live social media recording on Monday, March 11, Prophet Nigel Gaisie reacted to Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah’s recent attacks against him over comments he made regarding her late husband.

    Following Dr. Kumah’s death on March 7, 2024, there has been speculation about the cause, with Prophet Nigel Gaisie’s prophecy being one of the videos that went viral after the incident.

    However, in a recorded interview played on Accra-based Asaase Radio on Monday, March 11, 2024, Apostle Kumah reacted to the prophecy, stating that Prophet Nigel Gaisie exploited their personal information for his own gain, just to gain popularity, despite being close to the family.

    “We know him very well and have been aware since November 2023 that the late John Kumah was seriously sick. My husband had a lot of respect for men of God in this country and that included Nigel Gaisie when my husband and I thought he was a genuine man of God,” she explained. 

    In response to Apostle Kumah’s accusations, Prophet Nigel Gaisie noted that he is no mere stranger to the Kumah family, as he used to pray for Apostle Lilian and for that reason, she used to call him Papa.

    He recounted an instance where the Apostle allegedly called him “Man of God” instead of Papa as she normally did.

    “I called her Apostle and she called me Man of God. I told her today you are calling me Man of God. You used to call me Papa and I am your Papa. I know I don’t impose Papa on anybody but you’ve never called me Man of God,” he said.

    According to him, he was surprised since he anointed her.

    “Because Man of God is someone you don’t really know but you are somebody who has knelt down before me and I have poured oil on you several times. So I realized that she was trying to be rude with her gestures. She was still on the phone. If Apostle Lilian really has the Holy Ghost and she reads the Bible I read, which is the Bible of Jacob, Isaac she cannot tell me she didn’t meet me at Mövenpick,” he added.

    Prophet Nigel Gaisie noted that it was during their brief encounter at Mövenpick in September that he informed her that he wanted to speak to the late John Kumah since he had a revelation about him.

    “I told her at Mövenpick that I have a revelation about her husband and so she should let her husband call me or she should tell when I should call. You, that I thought you how to pray, tell me when I should call so that I give the revelation to your husband that was in September, I was going to renew your UK visa.

    “Now Lily is telling people that they should ignore the prophesy and that they were my friends and I heard about it,” he noted.

    He suggested that Apostle Kumah’s interview was an attempt to discredit his prophetic work, influenced by politicians who are not supportive of his ministry.