A viral report by Ghanaweb has revealed that the late Member of Parliament for Ejisu, John Kumah, did not die from poisoning as previously speculated by Captain Smart and various media outlets.
An autopsy conducted on Friday, March 8, 2024, by a certified pathologist concluded that the cause of his death was multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer.
Before his death on Thursday, March 7, 2024, widespread reports were linking his death to poisoning. However, a source close to the MP informed GhanaWeb that he had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma in early 2023 and was undergoing treatment.
Family sources also shared that he had returned from Germany before his health deteriorated, ultimately leading to his demise. Multiple myeloma specifically affects plasma cells, a type of white blood cell crucial for producing antibodies to combat infections.
What is myeloma?
Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow. Myeloma is often called multiple myeloma because most people (90%) have multiple bone lesions at the time it is diagnosed.
Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell found in the bone marrow. They are part of the immune system and help fight infection. When cancerous, these abnormal plasma cells spread throughout the bone marrow so that there is not enough space to make enough normal blood cells.
Bone marrow is found in multiple areas of the body including the spine, skull, shoulders, ribs and pelvis.
It is estimated that more than 2,600 people were diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2023. The average age at diagnosis is 71 years old.
John Kumah died from myeloma
Additional information provided by GhanaWeb reveals that the Member of Parliament (MP) was undergoing treatment for his condition at the University Hospital of Erlangen in Germany. During his treatment, he unfortunately suffered a fracture in his left arm.
The MP’s medical records, obtained by GhanaWeb, indicate that he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, dislocated humerus shaft, and extraarticular lateral clavicle fracture (right), among other conditions.
Before his death, he had undergone four chemotherapy sessions, including one at the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre in Accra, as per his request.
According to a source cited by GhanaWeb, the MP had initially planned to commence active treatment in Germany on March 12, 2024. However, against medical advice, he was discharged to attend the Independence Day celebrations on March 6, 2024, before returning for his treatment.
Unfortunately, his condition worsened during transportation from Kumasi to Accra, resulting in his untimely demise.
It was anticipated that he would be transported back to Germany for further medical attention.
