Widow of former Deputy Minister of Finance John Kumah remarries after a year

Lilian Owusu, widow of the late former Deputy Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Ejisu in the Ashanti Region, Dr John Ampontuah Kumah, has remarried, about 18 months after the lawmaker’s death.

Dr Kumah passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the age of 45.

His death triggered an outpouring of tributes nationwide, with political leaders, colleagues and constituents praising his dedication to public service and national development.

Lilian Kumah, now known as Apostle Lilian Aryeequaye, is the founder, senior pastor and general overseer of Disciples of Christ Ministries, also referred to as Disciples of Christ Ministries Worldwide.

Deputy finance minister John Kumah is dead

News of her reported remarriage has generated widespread public discussion, particularly on social media, coming roughly a year and a half after the passing of the Ejisu legislator.

The late deputy minister was widely known for his strong advocacy for economic growth and his close relationship with the people of Ejisu, whom he represented in Parliament.

Meanwhile, In Akan tradition, a woman may remarry after observing certain widowhood rites for at least one year, although the specific practices may vary among different Akan groups in Ghana.

The period and rituals associated with widowhood are primarily intended to honour the deceased husband, seek spiritual protection and formally sever the ties between the widow and her late husband’s lineage, thereby freeing her to consider a new life.

According to Akan custom, widowhood rites are not meant as punishment. One of their purposes is also to determine whether the woman is pregnant by the deceased husband.

This is why tradition recommends a one-year waiting period before remarriage.

After the rites are performed, the woman has every right, under Akan tradition, to remarry if she so wishes.

AM

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