The wife of late Deputy Finance Minister, Johnn Kumah has dispelled rumours that her deceased husband died of food poisoning. According to Apostle Lilian Kumah, her husband of 18 years has been sick since August last year. The widow pointed out that he was diagnosed with a blood-related disease in Germany when she accompanied her husband for a medical check-up. “Right from day one, since he was diagnosed in Germany, I have been part of the medical processes my husband went through, and no one, none of the doctors ever told me that my husband’s medical situation was because of poisoning. “I have all the medical reports both from Germany and Ghana and food poisoning has never been mentioned in any of the reports,” she said in an interview on Accra-Based Asaase Radio, March 11. Touting the late Deputy Minister’s dedication to national duties, Apostle Kumah further stated, “My husband went through pain, but he never showed that he was in pain. He went through all the pain to do everything he needed to do during the period of his ill-health. “He was motivated by a particular motto that he always operated by which is, ‘We don’t do what is convenient, we do what we are commanded to do’. So [despite] all the pain, he endured. She therefore charged that law enforcement agencies to investigate the source of the allegation that her husband was poisoned. “Why is it that someone has been this bold to claim that he knows for a fact that a person like John Kumah who has serviced 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. “If there are laws in this country concerning such false claims, I think this is the time for the leadership of the land to bring that wicked person to book to prove his false claims and to point out the persons who were involved in the poisoning of my late husband,” she urged. Credit: 3news

The NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Ejisu Constituency, Jerryne Asante with the Ashanti Regional NDC Chairman and Constituency Executives have stormed the residence of Late John Kumah to mourn the bereaved family. The Parliamentary Candidate, expressed her deepest sorrow at the death of her brother who belonged to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). She said "I was left with shock and extreme disbelief when I first heard the news. However, several credible sources subsequently confirmed the authenticity of the sad news of the passage of my brother" Mrs. Jerryne Asante eulogized the departed politician and touted his untmatched human relationship even towards those from adverse parties, particularly the NDC. She said "The late John was more than a brother anytime we met; hardly could one understand his special tolerance for especially people from the NDC" Mrs Jerryne noted that the NDC will continue to engage with the late Deputy Finance Minister's family to find a final rest for him. She finally entreated colleague politicians to be cautious about their health. "Due to the stressful daily engagements, I want to encourage all politicians to take their medical check ups seriously" The Ejisu NDC Parliamentary Candidate was accompanied by Charles Amoateng (NDC Ejisu Constituency Chairman), Augustus Andrews Nana Kwasi (NDC Ashanti Regional Chairman) and some Constituency Executives. Story by: Bernard Sao (Nana Brobbey)

A group calling itself United Gadangme Caucus has vowed to register a minimum of one million voters for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the December 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. According to leadership of the GaDangme group, the numbers gathered after registeration will not only be united as members but empowered to rally for the NDC to win the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary elections. One of the Convenors of the GaDangme Caucus, Kelvin Tetteh Caternor said "We have vowed to register a minimum of one million members. It is the firm believe of the leadership of the United GaDangme Caucus that seeks to achieve its target before the December general elections." "Our core mandate in the short term is to lead the membership drive and the campaign to ensure all GaDangbe people are united with a single purpose of advancing the course of GaDangbe in the NDC party and Ghana at large" "And for the first time of our membership drive, the United GaDangme Caucus was able to register two hundred (200) members and instantly issued seventy (70) identification cards to registered members" "One of the tasks of the United GaDangme Caucus coordinators is to register a minimum of 5,000 GaDangme people who are non card bearing members of the NDC to become card bearing members of the NDC. It is the firm believe of the leadership of the United GaDangme Caucus that the caucus will register a minimum of one million GaDangme people before the December general elections to vote en bloc for the NDC" The United GaDangme Caucus over the weekend embarked on its registeration exercise at the Odododiodioo Constituency in the Greater Accra Region. Held at Jubilee Korle Wonko ward, the exercise brought together an array of tradition, religion, modernity and culture. Michael Annan, one of the Convenors welcomed the new members and tasked them to introduce the United GaDangme Caucus to their constituents. Member of Parliament for Odododiodio Constituency, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye cimmended the leadership of the United GaDangme Caucus for their great initiative of winning more members for the party. He pledged to support the United GaDangme Caucus to achieve its objective in the Constituency. Present at the event were, Alfred Kotey Ashie, 2024 Parliamentary Candidate of Constituency. Mr. Ashie encouraged all present to vote massively for the NDC on December 7. Others include; Nii Armah Ashietey, Mr. Aryetey, Mr Nartey and the party' Constituency Chairman, Paul Oblie Laryea, Madam Happy Ogboo McCarthy, Dorcas Naa Korklue Afortey, Quarcoopome sisters, Imams and Islamic schorlars, Constituency Executives as well as NDC faithfuls. Five (5) Constituency executives, a Coordinator and Three (3) Ward Executives for each of the seven (7) out of the eight (8) wards in the Constituency were appointed. They were sworn into office by Nii Armah Addy Esq. Odododiodioo Constituency becomes the 17th constituency to get onboard the United GaDangme Caucus train. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Popular Ghanaian actor in the famous YOLO series,  John Bredu Peasah widely known as Drogba has been diagnosed with life-threatening Demyelinating disease. According to reports, Drogba has been battling the disease for the past two years. News of his illness broke out on social media on March 8 after Ghanaian actor, Jeffrey Nortey shared a flyer calling for financial assistance for the actor’s medical treatment. Drogba or Blah Charles as he is known in the popular YOLO series, plays the role of a ‘lover boy’ and would go any means to get any woman he desires. YOLO is a Ghanaian teenage TV series which premiered in 2016. The series is a sequel of the Ghanaian TV series Things We Do for Love. It advises and directs the youth concerning the challenges they face in their adolescent stage. Credit: 3news

The National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Sammy Gyamfi has mourned the Deputy Minister of Finance John Kumah who died on Thursday. Gyamfi in a Facebook post said “your demise is very painful. Rest in peace my brother.” Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia also mourned the late Dr John Kumah. In a Facebook post, Dr Bawumia said “A truly committed member of our administration, and party, who dedicated his all to the success of our endeavours. Rest well, John.” President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also mourned Dr John Kumah after saying that the efforts of the late Deputy Finance Minister were instrumental in advancing the government’s economic agenda, and ensuring that the fruits of the progress were equitably shared amongst all segments of society. Mr Akufo-Addo described John Kumah as a Ghanaian patriot par excellence. John Kumah died on Thursday, March 7. The 45-year-old lawmaker for Ejisu left behind a wife and six children. In a Facebook post, Mr Akufo-Addo said “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.” Credit: 3news

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has expressed profound grief over the death of Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah. Dr. Kumah, a 45-year-old MP for Ejisu in the Ashanti Region, passed away on Thursday, March 7, following a short illness, according to family sources. Chairman Wontumi, in a statement, shared his fond memories of Dr. Kumah, who was there for him in a critical time of need, referring to his passing as a ‘shock’. He expressed his devastation upon learning about John Kumah’s death, whom he referred to as ‘his good friend and brother.” The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party mourned the loss of his friend, emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of his loss. “My good friend and brother John Kumah. My heart is heavy. My eyes are full of tears. I am devastated and distraught. I have lost a loyal friend and faithful brother whose loss is simply irreplaceable, not only to me but to the region as well.” Read below the statement by Chairman Wontumi’s CHAIRMAN WONTUMI MOURNS HIS BROTHER AND FRIEND, LAWYER DR. JOHN KUMAH My good friend and brother John Kumah. My heart is heavy. My eyes are full of tears. I am devastated and distraught. I have been struggling to find the appropriate words to describe how I feel right now, because I know how you would have reacted if I were in your position. It is a mixed feeling of disbelief and shock. And this unfortunate news takes me back to some few months ago. I remember how you stood by my side and ensured that I survived at the time that I was helplessly dying. Little did I know that I was going to survive only for me to be confronted with this devastating news of your passing months later. I have lost a loyal friend and faithful brother whose loss is simply irreplaceable, not only to me, but to the region as well. Rest well, my brother. We will surely meet in heaven one day. Your brother and friend, Chairman Wontumi Credit: Citinewsroom

Professor Joshua Alabi, the 2020 Campaign Manager for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has hailed the selection of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as the running mate for the 2024 election, describing it as the best choice. According to Professor Alabi, the former Education Minister brings a wealth of experience and credibility to the party’s ticket. Speaking to journalists following the endorsement of Professor Opoku-Agyemang as John Mahama’s running mate, Professor Alabi emphasized the need for the NDC to focus on its campaign. He highlighted that the selection process considered her abilities and commitments, noting that Professor Opoku-Agyemang emerged as the preferred choice from a pool of other qualified candidates. “There was a marking scheme and it was very tight and she emerged the best and we have gotten what we wanted and what is left for us to do is focus on our campaign and move straight to work. “As the general secretary said, integrity, her ability to handle issues in the absence of the president, her experience in life and of course, she managed a whole university which is just like a mini country.” Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang was officially endorsed as the running mate for the NDC’s flagbearer in the upcoming 2024 general elections by the party’s National Executive Committee on Thursday, March 7, 2024. Notably, this marks Professor Opoku-Agyemang’s second consecutive term as the running mate, having previously served in the same capacity during the 2020 election. Credit: Citinewsroom

Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, the former Member of Parliament (MP) for Tema East and the Greater Accra Regional Minister-designate has pledged to work with stakeholders to introduce the teaching of GaDangme in schools across the region if given the nod. During his vetting by Parliament’s Appointment Committee in Accra on Thursday, he responded to concerns about the absence of the GaDangme language in some regional schools. He attributed the lack of Gadangme language in many schools in the region to urbanisation. However, Mr Glover highlighted the unique and highly recognised culture of the Gadangmes. He expressed his intention to collaborate with the education minister and the Ghana Education Service (GES) to ensure the inclusion of the GaDangme language in school curricula when given the nod. “It is unfortunate that urbanisation has contributed to this challenge that we are facing as a region. But we are proud as Gadangmes that we are identified first by our culture, our tradition, the food we eat, our festivals and the language or dialect that we speak." “I will quickly liaise with the Minister for Education…Ghana Education Service and the Minister for Education we need to sit and look at what we can all do collectively to ensure that our languages are taught in our schools,” he stated. Credit: Citinewsroom

Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, a Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana (UG), has stated that Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is well-equipped to partner with John Mahama for the upcoming polls. The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) officially confirmed Prof. Opoku-Agyemang as the running mate for the party’s flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, for the 2024 general elections on Thursday. This marks Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s second consecutive term as the running mate, as she previously served in the same role during the 2020 elections. Despite rumours about other potential candidates, including Julius Debrah, former Chief of Staff to ex-President Mahama; economist Dr. Nii Moi Thompson; Member of Parliament for Asunafo, Eric Opoku; and retired Police Commissioner, Nathan Kofi Boakye, Mr. Mahama decided to retain the former Education Minister. Last year in August, Dr. Asah-Asante stated that Prof. Opoku-Agyemang was a standout among potential running mates for Mr. Mahama, describing her as a valuable asset and someone who had extensive experience and the necessary skills to partner with Mr. Mahama. In an Eyewitness News interview with Selorm Adonoo on Citi FM on Thursday, Dr. Asah-Asante said that the NDC had made an excellent selection. “I think that it is the best selection that can come from the NDC. The woman has very impeccable records. The woman is fit for purpose. She has what it takes to partner with John Mahama to deliver the ticket come December 7, 2024,” he stated. Credit: Citinewsroom

The Former Majority Leader and Member of Parliament for Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, has eulogised the late John Kumah as a warrior who will be greatly missed. He described the passing of the late Ejisu lawmaker as “a tragedy of monumental proportions.” John Kumah’s passing was announced on Thursday, March 7, after a brief illness. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu celebrated the contributions of the late Deputy Finance Minister on his Facebook page and prayed for eternal rest for him and comfort for the bereaved family. Below is Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s Facebook post. John, Hon John Kumah, Member of Parliament for Ejisu & Deputy Minister For Finance. Just learnt of your passing on, a tragedy of monumental proportions. Just this Tuesday we were together at the economy sub-committee of the manifesto committee. I sat right behind you. We spoke and shared ideas, we laughed and I asked how you were feeling at the end of the day. The positive assurance was that you were bouncing back strongly. That was reassuring. I could notice though, that you were struggling a bit. That was just less than 48 hours ago. And you have transitioned? If such is life, then life must be very very cruel! In the lead-up to the passage of the Appropriations Bill on December 22nd. We had to wait on you, learning of the unfortunate circumstances that had taken you to Germany. The then Finance Minister, Hon Ken Ofori Atta and I spoke with you and you assured us that you would be with us on the 20th of December. It is for this reason that the Appropriation Act was passed on the 22nd of December. Subsequently, when I saw you I realised that you had gone through some pain and turmoil, but God was in charge. Two days ago, you smiled, your usual affectionate smile, an infectious one at that. When death, which we least expected beckoned; you embraced it….. the warrior that you were. John, may God give you eternal rest and the good Lord comfort the rest of your family, that you have left behind. Adieu, until we meet again. John, Fare thee well! Credit: Citinewsroom

The Ministry of Finance has joined scores of Ghanaians and well-wishers to mourn the demise of the Deputy Finance Minister, Late John Kumah. In a communique signed by the Ministry, it read "The Ministry of Finance expresses its profound sorrow at the sudden passing of our Hon. Deputy Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) for Ejisu, Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah, today, Thursday 7th March, 2024" It added that since January, 2021, the late Dr. John Kumah has been a valued member of its Leadership Team driving reforms to restore macroeconomic stability and economic transformation. "All this difficult period, we join Ghanaians and several well-wishers, who are still in shock, to pray for divine comfort for his beloved wife, children and family" Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith

Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor, Ghana’s Minister for Lands and Natural Resources continues to partake in major summits and meetings at the ongoing Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention marketing Ghana’s sustainable and vibrant mining industry and by doing so wooing investors into the country by spiking their interest and exhorting their minds to the plethora of reasons that make Ghana a perfect destination for mining. On Monday, 04 March 2024, Hon. Jinapor joined twenty two (22)other Ministers responsible for Mines and Natural Resources, captains of the mining industry, Anglo American Associations, Euro Asia Resources Group and civil society organisations to explore and exchange knowledge on the future of the industry in the wake of the global warming and the shift towards green minerals. The event dubbed International Mines Ministers Summit was structured in way that saw the ministers and other stakeholders being empanelled to address various sub-themes that falls under the main theme which is “Striking a Balance for Success: Responsible Mining and the Energy Transition.” In his contributions to Session One of the Summit which was themed “Sharing a Path to Success: Building a framework for collaboration”, Hon. Samuel A. Jinapor espoused the far-reaching policy directives being implemented by the Ghana government, the strong and resilient partnership between the government and the mining companies through the Ghana Chamber of Mines and the shift from ‘digging and shipping’ and value addition. He laid specific emphasis on the importance of strong collaborations between government and large scale mining companies serving as the fundamental and solid rock on which the successes for a mutually beneficial and serene mining industry is done. He also underscored the commitment of the government to responsible and sustainable mining practises, not just at the mineral discovery stage but throughout the entire value chain, describing its ‘non-negotiable. He disclosed that the paradigm shift in Ghana’s mining policy from mere production of minerals to value addition is perfectly encapsulated by the recent Lithium agreement with Atlantic Lithium in which government ensured the establishment of refinery plant in Ghana and the opportunity of Ghanaian ownership through listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange. While bemoaning the relatively insignificant benefits African countries derive from their mineral resources, Hon. Jinapor advocated for an “affirmative action” that will enable host countries of these minerals to benefit more equitably from their natural resource endowment”. This policy, he says, must deliberate, conscious and have the interest of the host-countries at the top. He re-echoed his long-held view that African countries who take the initiative to contribute to the fight against climate change must be rewarded and incentivised to pursue that path. While acknowledging Energy Transition as a noble and magnanimous goal, the Minister underlined the imperativeness of producers of the raw materials for clean energy benefiting significantly from the Minerals. Again, the Lands Minister joined his counterparts on the sidelines of the Summit to close the Toronto Stock Exchange amidst thunderous applause from global participants. Ministers at the highly important summit were drawn from Canada, Germany, Peru, Finland among others. Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith