The tragic demise of the affable member of Parliament for Ejisu Constituency, John Kumah shook the nation. Many were caught unaware when the news broke. Aside from a few inner circles, the lawmaker’s health like that of other public figures in the country was kept secret. As the questions and speculations surrounding his death keep rising, so does the eagerness for answers.

With no autopsy or coroner report to ascertain his cause of death, rumors have swirled. Of all the circulating rumours so far, the allegation of food poisoning has gained traction. It has spread far and wide prompting the lawmaker’s widow to publicly deny it in an interview.

Given that the late lawmaker’s wife has denied the poisoning rumour, one would have expected the public to disbelieve it. Contrary to that, the speculation seems to have been reinforced. A recent viral video on the internet allegedly showed his New Patriotic Party refusing to take what had been offered to them breath new life into the suspicion. Many people have begun questioning the ruling party and alluding that the “murder” has to do with the unresolved running mate race in the party.

The Political Angle

His sudden death can potentially alter some political calculus in the party. The political optics will probably not be the same again. As soon as the news broke, speculations spread that he was one of the touted candidates for the running mate in the ruling party.

The allegation is that, as someone in a pole position to cling to the coveted post, he had to be “murdered” or rather “sacrificed” for some candidates to feel secure in their drive to become running mate and potentially Vice President come December 2024 election.

Adding his voice to the issue, Prophet Kofi Oduro, the firebrand preacher and General Overseer of Alabaster International Ministry questions the integrity of the ruling party. He even reminded the nation of another unresolved murder, the case of the late JB Danqua-Adu, also a lawmaker killed in his prime.

Furthermore, heading to the December polls, will the ruling party capitalize on his unfortunate event to attract sympathy votes, or suffer the ire of the Ghanaian electorate amid rumours that he became the “sacrificial lamb” of the party’s quest to retain power?

Lawmakers’ Safety

This tragic event has rekindled the debate on the safety and security of our legislators. As public figures, their safety should not be taken for granted. Moreover, the dangers that come with their work cannot be overstated. Often, politicians get accused of colluding with vested interests to work against the public’s interest.

Yet, there are a few individuals or even instances where public figures stand against vested interests, rather than endanger their lives. With the violent murder of JB Danqua-Adu, the call was for the provision of a police or security escort legislator, however proven true that he was poisoned, then the state would have to look beyond physical security to find other means that can provide round-the-clock protection for lawmakers as it does for ministers and other members.

Transparent Investigation

With conflicting reports and rumours spreading far and wide daily, the government cannot afford to sweep the matter under the carpet. It is only proper that a credible investigation is initiated.

Mindful of the political implications of the matter, this incident should not be treated like the past ones. Late President Atta Mills’ death remains unresolved. The former President’s family had to plead for his autopsy report to bring finality to the family’s woes.

Given that, even the violent murder of JB Danqua-Adu’s murder is still traversing the legal terrain despite the apprehension of the main suspect. Can Ghanaians trust the state to expedite and deliver a credible investigation into Dr. John Kumah’s death?