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.