A former Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Ejisu Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Dr John Ampontua Kumah has been laid to rest.

The burial service took place on Saturday, May 18 in Onwe, a suburb of Ejisu, where his one-week observation was previously held.

Dr Kumah passed away in the early hours of Thursday, March 7, after a short illness. He died at age 45, leaving behind a legacy as a devoted family man, survived by his wife, Apostle Mrs Lilian Kumah, and six children.

Read also: Deputy Finance Minister John Kumah passes on after short illness

Solemn tears and heartfelt tributes flowed at the burial service as government functionaries, family and constituents poured their tributes to the former Deputy Finance Minister, eulogising him for his contributions to the Ejisu Constituency.

At the burial service, the children of the late Deputy Finance Minister eulogised their father.

They said Dr Kumah was more than just a father and a beacon of strength, wisdom, and love, adding that "His presence filled our lives with warmth and guidance, and his absence leaves an irreplaceable void."

"We have not grown as children, but for the years we saw him as our father, we have witnessed hundreds of lives he has touched. As we reflect on our father's life, we are reminded of his own wavering dedication to his family. He was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a pillar of support to all who knew him. His love knew no bounds, and his kindness knew no limits."

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia also commended Dr Kumah's selfless contributions to the nation and extended condolences to his loved ones.

In his speech, Dr Bawumia highlighted the late Ejisu MP's selflessness and kind heart and expressed the nation's devastation at the news of his passing.

"He was renowned for his selflessness, intellectual brilliance, and warm personality, a man blessed with a good heart. His departure has left a void, and this grief is beyond consolation. Nature has dealt us a cruel blow, taking John away in his prime," he said.

Reflecting on Dr Kumah's contributions, Dr Bawumia commented on his remarkable legacy and achievements despite his short life.

“Indeed, we have lost a dedicated public servant. I have lost a friend and a strong supporter. We appeal and pray to the good Lord to keep John in his bosom,” he added.

The Ministry of Finance also eulogised and extended its heartfelt condolence to the family of Dr Kumah.

The Ministry described Dr Kumah as a remarkable person, a devoted public official whose light shines brightly even in death.

"Honourable Dr John Ampontiuah Kumah was appointed by his Excellency the President in 2021 as a Deputy Minister for Finance. He came to the Ministry exuding charisma and a passion for youth development and entrepreneurship and thanks to his hard work, dedication and commitment, he effortlessly fitted the role that then Minister Ken Ofori-Atta assigned him, which was Deputy Minister in charge of wealth creation."

It said that the late Ejisu MP at his introduction to the staff of the Ministry of Finance, made a profound statement that he is a Minister of God by divine calling and a politician by choice, adding that "This is rightly so because he perfected the two callings and positively impacted us at the Ministry."

Parliament also extended its heartfelt condolence to the late MP, saying that the distinguished service of Dr Kumah, who was a true patriot, selfless and visionary young man, undoubtedly served the nation with a sense of commitment and dedication.

"Honourable John Kumah became associated with the Parliament of Ghana when he was sworn in as a Member of Parliament for the Ejisu constituency in January 2017. His diligence and dedication to duty as a legislator and trustee of the good people of Ejisu and Ghana became noticeable right from the beginning.

"He was a man of boundless ambition who always stroked for excellence both in his role as a legislator and a statesman with a firm conviction in the maxim that the sky is the limit," the House said.