List of High Ranking NPP Ministers and MPs who have died during election years – Number 5 will shock You
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has come under heavy fire and examination in recent months, mostly due to claims of “bad governance” and a string of regrettable incidents that have tarnished the party’s once stellar image.
The NPP is still struggling with unfavorable opinions that have damaged its reputation in the public eye, despite its attempts to solve economic difficulties.
The sad subject of prominent NPP members who untimely died during election years, adding to the turbulent past of the party, is explored in this essay.
These great people passed away at pivotal political junctures, which has provoked introspection and emotional concerns regarding the circumstances of their deaths.
The NPP has been grieving the loss of multiple important members who have played crucial roles in the party and government over the last ten years. These powerful individuals’ sudden deaths have had a significant effect on the NPP and its adherents.
Within the party, these people were more than just names; they were pillars who embodied the NPP’s ideals and ethos. It will be difficult to fill the vacuum created by their departure.
Many people have been reflecting on the uncertainties and difficulties experienced by persons in positions of power as a result of the mysteries surrounding their deaths, underscoring the transience of life and the unpredictable nature of political environments.
These people are not the only ones who have passed away within the Political Party since its founding, which is surprising, yet the mysteries surrounding their passing encourage introspection once more.
The NPP has lost some of its most beloved members over the past 14 years, but the passing of these GREAT Men—men of authority and high positions—who served as the government’s and the party’s spiritual center has brought back memories.
The list of well-known NPP figures who passed away during particular election years is provided below;
Hon. Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu
Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu (1952 – 24 September 2008) was a distinguished Ghanaian politician and a chartered accountant known for his significant contributions to public service.
He served as a Member of Parliament in the Parliament of Ghana for Asante Akim North Constituency from January 1997 until his untimely passing on September 24, 2008, which coincided with an election year.
Baah-Wiredu’s political career was marked by his tenure as a Minister of State in various ministries under the Kufuor government, starting in 2000.
He was an integral member of the New Patriotic Party since its inception in 1992, demonstrating his dedication to the party’s values and objectives.
His service extended to key ministerial roles, including Local Government and Rural Development (2001–2003) and Education, Youth, and Sports (2003–2005), where he made significant policy contributions.
Notably, Baah-Wiredu’s legacy includes his role as the Minister for Finance and Economic Planning from 2005. He made history in 2005 as the first Finance Minister in Ghana to present the country’s Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament ahead of the fiscal year, a practice that continues with subsequent Finance Ministers.
Alhaji Aliu Mahama
Alhaji Aliu Mahama (3 March 1946 – 16 November 2012) was a prominent Ghanaian engineer and politician, notably serving as Vice-President of Ghana from 7 January 2001 to 7 January 2009.
He was a respected member of the New Patriotic Party and held the distinction of being Ghana’s first Muslim Vice-President.
Throughout his career, Mahama demonstrated a deep commitment to public service and national development. He was married to Hajia Ramatu Mahama, with whom he shared a life of dedication to their country and community.
After completing two terms as vice-president, Mahama sought the New Patriotic Party’s nomination for the 2008 presidential election. However, his bid was unsuccessful, leading to his decision to retire from active politics.
In November 2012, amidst speculation and rumours about his health, there was initial confusion regarding reports of his passing at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. These rumors were swiftly denied by his family and hospital authorities on the same day.
Tragically, Alhaji Aliu Mahama passed away on 16 November 2012, during an election year, at the age of 66.
His death was attributed to a heart-related condition and complications from a stroke, marking the end of an era for Ghana and the political landscape he had significantly influenced.
Joseph Boakye (JB) Danquah Adu
Joseph Boakye Danquah Adu was a distinguished Ghanaian chartered accountant and politician who served in the Parliament of Ghana for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) from 2005 to 2009 and again from 2013 until his tragic passing.
Married with two children, Danquah Adu entered Ghana’s parliament following his victory in the 2004 general elections, representing Abuakwa North constituency.
During the John Agyekum Kufuor administration, he held the position of Deputy Minister for Women and Children’s Affairs, showcasing his dedication to addressing important social issues.
Despite losing his seat in the 2008 general elections to a fellow NPP member, Samuel Kwadwo Amoako, Danquah Adu reclaimed it in the 2012 elections, defeating Victor Smith of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
During his tenure in the 5th parliament of the 4th Republic, he contributed significantly as a member of both the Special Budgets Committee and the Trade, Industry, and Tourism Committee.
On 9 February 2016, which was an election year, tragedy struck when Danquah Adu was fatally stabbed in the early hours of the morning.
Following the incident, the police arrested Daniel Asiedu for the murder. Asiedu later confessed to the crime, stating that he had intended to rob the MP but a struggle ensued, leading to the fatal outcome.
Asiedu was subsequently charged with murder.
Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey
Jacob “Jake” Lantei Otanka Obetsebi-Lamptey, a distinguished Ghanaian politician and advertising businessman, played a pivotal role in the political landscape of Ghana.
He notably served as the national campaign manager for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) during the 2000 Presidential elections, a historic event that marked Ghana’s first civilian-to-civilian transition of power.
Following the NPP’s victory, Obetsebi-Lamptey was appointed as Minister for Presidential Affairs (Chief of Staff) from 2001 to 2003 under President John Kufuor. In a subsequent reshuffle, he assumed the role of Minister of Tourism and Modernization of the Capital from 2003 to 2005.
From 2005 to July 2007, he served as Minister of Tourism and Diasporan Relations, showcasing his dedication to promoting Ghana’s tourism sector and engaging with the diaspora community.
In July 2007, Obetsebi-Lamptey resigned from his ministerial post to focus on campaigning for the NPP presidential flagbearer nomination for the 2008 Presidential elections. However, his bid was unsuccessful.
Tragically, Obetsebi-Lamptey passed away on 20 March 2016 (an election year) at a hospital in London at the age of 70. He had been battling leukaemia and had sought treatment in South Africa in December of the previous year after falling ill.
Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie “Sir John”
Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John, was a highly regarded Ghanaian lawyer and politician who held various significant roles in public service.
He served as the general secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and later assumed the position of chief executive officer of the Forestry Commission of Ghana.
Sir John’s political journey was marked by his tenure as the NPP’s general secretary from 2010 to 2014, during which he played a key role in shaping the party’s policies and strategies. Although he didn’t secure a second term, his contributions were widely acknowledged within the party.
Even after leaving the position of general secretary, Sir John remained actively involved in Ghanaian politics, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to public service.
In May 2017, while serving as the CEO of the Forestry Commission, he expressed his willingness to contest the NPP’s general secretary elections if there was significant public demand for his candidacy.
Tragically, Sir John passed away on 1 July 2020 (an election year) in Accra after testing positive for COVID-19 during the pandemic.
His death at the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital marked a notable loss for Ghana, as he was widely respected for his dedication and contributions to the country’s political landscape.
John Ampontuah Kumah
John Ampontuah Kumah, a multifaceted Ghanaian figure encompassing politics, business, preaching, and law, left an indelible mark on his country’s landscape.
Before his untimely passing in 2024, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), where his leadership skills and innovative approach were evident.
Kumah’s legal acumen was showcased as a solicitor and legal practitioner for the Supreme Court of Ghana, a role he assumed after being called to the Ghana Bar in 2013. He was also a founding member and Managing Partner of Aduaprokye Chambers, a reputable law firm located in Adabraka.
Not limiting himself to law, Kumah ventured into entrepreneurship with Majak Associates Ltd, a construction company he founded. His knack for creating jobs and supporting youth development was recognized, leading to his appointment as CEO of NEIP in 2017.
In the political arena, Kumah made waves by winning the parliamentary seat for the Ejisu constituency in the 2020 Ghanaian general election under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) banner. His contributions in parliament as Vice Chairperson of the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee, along with his role in the Appointments and Subsidiary Legislation committees, were commendable.
His ascent continued in 2021 when Kumah was appointed Deputy Minister of Finance, showcasing his versatility and dedication to public service.
Source: Shinemegh.com/Ghpage.com
