Wife of late Deputy Finance Minister, John Kumah has recounted the last moments of her husband who died on March 7, 2024.
According to Apostle Mrs Lilian Kumah, her deceased husband has been sick since August last year and has been receiving medical treatment in Germany.
Speaking in an interview on March 11, the widow said Johnny (As she calls him) was so dedicated to his work as a minister that even in ill-health, he continued to play his role.
This is what she had to say when asked about circumstances leading to Dr Kumah’s demise.
“I wish I would not be asked to narrate this part. But yeah! He returned from Germany on Sunday. Monday, he went to work very strong and active. Tuesday, he went to Parliament but realized he was not strong. But he returned all the way from Germany just to attend the 6th March. So, he was determined to be in Ejisu just to be part of the 6th March.
I tried everything to discourage him, but you know, once a soldier, always a soldier- Madly in love with his country and what he is doing. So, he left. I think Wednesday, I called him but his voice was not sounding well on the phone. So I asked him to return to Accra and take steps to go to Germany for treatment, but he did not give in to my suggestion. I decided to travel to Kumasi to meet him. So, I drove to Kumasi.
I got there Thursday morning around 7:30am. When I got there, my husband couldn’t move. He was being moved into an ambulance. I decided to join the ambulance. When he saw me, he gave me a thumbs up- which gave me the indication that he was ok. Around 11:00am, he showed signs of much relief. However, I later realized that the readings on the monitoring machines were dropping. As a pastor, I was seriously praying and trusting God to intervene. Around 11:55am, the doctor (his personal doctor) suggested that we look for a nearby hospital for him to rest to enable him (doctor), apply “CPU on sucker” and provide constant oxygen.
The nearest hospital was Suhum. So, we went there. They treated him with the needed urgency. Later, they told me the ambulance that brought him was not strong, it had broken down. So, we should look for another one to take him to the 37 Military Hospital. Then I realized they were only giving me signals that my husband had died. Finally, the doctor gathered courage and told me they did their best but could not revive him. It was around 12:20pm.
I was in denial, so I insisted that he should be taken to the 37 Military Hospital. As at now, I’m still hoping that it was just a nightmare or a prank. I am still hoping,” she said on Accra-based Asaase radio.
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John Kumah left behind Mrs Kumah and six children.