Pressure is mounting on Lilian Kumah, wife of the late Deputy Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Ejisu Constituency, John Kumah, to contest to replace her husband in parliament.
John Kumah’s death has created a gap in both his constituency and in parliament. The Electoral Commission is expected to hold a by-election for a replacement to be elected to represent the constituency in Parliament.
Ejisu Constituency, has for many years been a stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Member of Parliament for the Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, Sarah Adjoa Safo, has called on the wife of John Kumah to lace her booth and contest the seat when nominations are opened.
She believes the decision will enable the wife of John Kumah to replace her husband in parliament and that will also aid in consoling the bereaved family. She adds that previous widows who replaced their deceased husbands in Parliament have not failed and did not suffer in winning their seats and as such Lilian Kumah should also be given that opportunity.
“The Ejisu constituency will be conducting by-elections soon, we are hearing that Apostle Lillian Kumah will be given the nod to contest on the ticket of the NPP. Do you think it is the right call looking at the precedent in the party with Lydia Alhassan and co?” She was quizzed in an interview with Onua FM.
“I think it is the right call because there is precedent and it has always been successful. Ejisu is NPP’s stronghold that we will win with any candidate. When the woman replaces the man it helps the bereaved family to be appeased. The women who succeeded their deceased husbands have not disappointed their constituencies so it is a good call. I think she should be allowed to contest,” Adwao Safo said in a response.
Private legal practitioner and NPP activist, Maurice Ampaw, is among people who have called on the party to allow Lilian Kumah to contest in the Ejisu by-elections.