Ablakwa mourns late John Kumah, commiserates with family

Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing of Deputy Finance Minister John Kumah.

In a statement on social media on Friday, March 8, Ablakwa paid tribute to his longtime friend and recalled their history as student leaders.

"I was hoping this unbelievably terrible news would turn out to be false. I have known Hon. John Kumah since our days as student leaders in secondary school some 27 years ago," Ablakwa wrote on Facebook.

“His brand of student activism at the University of Ghana and within the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) was impactful,” he added.

Dr. John Kumah, who until his death served as Deputy Finance Minister and MP for Ejisu, passed away last Thursday at the age of 45.

He had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness since November but his condition deteriorated rapidly while travelling from Kumasi to Accra.

Ablakwa commended Dr. John Kumah's dedication to public service in roles at the NEIP and Ministry of Finance.

“He also became a worthy colleague in the Ghanaian Parliament even though we shared different ideological perspectives," Ablakwa stated.

The North Tongu MP also extended his "deepest condolences" to Kumah's family and prayed for strength and comfort for his constituents, former colleagues, and the NPP party during this difficult time.

Dr. John Kumah left behind a wife and six children.