President Akufo-Addo has emphasized the significant role played by the late Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah, in advancing the government's economic agenda.Taking to Facebook, Akufo-Addo hailed John Kumah as an exemplary Ghanaian patriot.

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic news of the sudden death of the Deputy Minister for Finance and Member of Parliament for Ejisu, Hon. John Ampontuah Kumah, whose untimely passing has left us all bereft of a bright, energetic light in our midst.

“I knew him very well both in my days as Leader of the Opposition and as President of the Republic, and his warmth, humility, and genuine concern for others endeared him to me and to all who crossed his path. 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. He was a stalwart of the New Patriotic Party in the Ejisu constituency, which he served with great enthusiasm and devotion as a Member of Parliament.

“He was the first Chief Executive Officer of the new entity I set up in my first term, the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP). He distinguished himself in that office, and, therefore, merited his promotion to the office of Deputy Minister for Finance, where he brought not only expertise and skill, but also a deep sense of compassion and empathy to his role. His efforts were instrumental in advancing Government’s economic agenda, and ensuring that the fruits of our progress were equitably shared amongst all segments of society. He was a Ghanaian patriot par excellence.

“To his wife, children, family and the New Patriotic Party in the Ejisu constituency and across the nation, I offer my deepest condolences. on their great loss. May God bless him, and allow his soul to rest in perfect peace in His Bosom until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall all meet again.”

Tragically, John Kumah passed away on Thursday, March 7, leaving behind a grieving family. The 45-year-old legislator represented Ejisu and is survived by his wife and six children.

Mr Kumah's unwavering dedication to service, tireless commitment to national betterment, and profound passion for uplifting the lives of the people of Ejisu and Ghana were evident, making him a stalwart of the New Patriotic Party in the Ejisu constituency.

As the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) in Akufo-Addo's first term, Mr Kumah distinguished himself, earning promotion to Deputy Minister for Finance.

Akufo-Addo praised Mr Kumah for bringing not only expertise and skill but also a deep sense of compassion and empathy to his role.

Profile

Hon. Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah was a Lawyer and an Entrepreneur with over fifteen (15) years’ experience in leadership, creativity, innovation and resourcefulness in creating jobs, and supporting youth development.

As the first Chief Executive Officer for the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), he successfully positioned the NEIP as the enabler of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Ghana. Under his leadership, the programme trained 7,000 startups in 2018 under the Presidential Business Support Programme and supported 1,350 beneficiaries with funds.

Prior to working for government, Hon. Kumah was the founding member and Managing Partner of Aduaprokye Chambers, a law firm. He also worked as the founder of Majak Associates Ltd, a building and construction company.

In November 2020, Hon. Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah received a Doctorate in Business Innovation from the Swiss Business School in Switzerland. Before then, he had acquired a Masters in Applied Business Research, at the same Business School in 2019.

His rich educational background includes a Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Business Research in 2019 at Nobel International Business School (NIBS). In 2009, he had an Executive Masters degree in Business Administration (Finance), from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

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

As an Entrepreneur by birth, a Lawyer by Profession, a Politician by Choice, a Preacher by Divine Calling, he sees none of these as an accident, but a call to serve humanity.

He is a family man with six children, and married to Apostle Mrs. Lilian Kumah.