Nation Mourns the Loss of a Leader and Visionary in Ghana’s Entrepreneurship Landscape.
It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of John Kumah, the Deputy Minister for Finance of Ghana. His sudden death, at the age of 40, has shocked the nation and left a void in the hearts of many.
A source close to the family confirmed this tragic news to Accra-based radio station Asaase Radio, although the cause of death is yet to be determined. Kumah was reported to have attended the parade marking the country’s 67th Independence anniversary in Koforidua the day before his passing.
John Ampontuah Kumah was a well-respected figure in Ghana, known for his dedication to public service and entrepreneurship. He served as the current Member of Parliament for Ejisu in the Ashanti Region and had over 15 years of experience in leadership, creativity, innovation, and job creation, especially in youth development.
One of his most notable achievements was his appointment as the first Chief Executive Officer for the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP). Under his leadership, the NEIP trained 7,000 startups in 2018 through the Presidential Business Support Programme, with 1,350 beneficiaries receiving essential funds to support their ventures.
Before his government position, Kumah was a founding member and Managing Partner of Aduaprokye Chambers, a prestigious law firm. He also established Majak Associates Ltd, a building and construction company, showcasing his diverse skill set and entrepreneurial spirit.
In November 2020, John Ampontuah Kumah obtained a Doctorate in Business Innovation from the Swiss Business School in Accra, furthering his educational pursuits. His educational background also included a Masters in Applied Business Research from the same institution in 2019, a Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Business Research from Nobel International Business School (NIBS) in 2019, and an Executive Masters degree in Business Administration (Finance) from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in 2009.
Kumah’s journey began at the University of Ghana, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics with Philosophy, followed by 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 the same year.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Kumah was a devoted family man, married to Apostle Lilian Kumah, and had six children. He defined himself as an entrepreneur by birth, a lawyer by profession, a politician by choice, and a preacher by divine calling, viewing these aspects as opportunities to serve humanity.
The news of John Kumah’s passing has deeply saddened the nation. His contributions to Ghana’s entrepreneurial landscape and his dedication to youth development will be greatly missed.