By their trades, politicians are usually in the faces of people almost on a daily basis. They may try to avoid the clout and public presence that come with what they do, but the architecture of the job means that they are always seen and heard.

And it is the same way people easily recognise their absences.

In this GhanaWeb review article of the year 2025, we take a look at some of the names of politicians – high-level ones, who kicked the bucket in the year.

This article is a reminder, especially to those who may have forgotten, that all the following names or personalities no longer walk the surface of this earth with human.

Here they are:

Ernest Yaw Kumi

Who he was: Member of Parliament (MP) for Akwatia constituency representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Career: Won the Akwatia seat in the December 2024 Election and served in Parliament from January until his death in July 2025. He was known for his academic achievements—including multiple degrees and passing his final law exams shortly before his death—and served on parliamentary committees. His tenure was marked by a legal dispute over his election and a Supreme Court ruling that upheld his parliamentary status.

Death: Died after a brief illness on July 7, 2025, at age 40.

Cecilia Johnson

Who she was: Veteran politician and Chairperson of Ghana’s Council of State.

Career: A respected member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), she was an influential female leader who served as General Secretary of the 31st December Women’s Movement, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, and later as Council of State Chair under multiple governments. Her leadership spanned several decades and was noted for advancing women’s empowerment and governance.

Death: Died on September 22, 2025, at age 79 after a short illness.

Joseph Ade Coker

Who he was: Former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NDC and sports administrator.

Career: Served as the NDC’s Greater Accra Regional Chairman from 2009 for three consecutive terms. Renowned for his outspoken political commentary and grassroots engagement, he also contributed to sports administration as Vice Chairman of the Ghana Football Association (GFA).

Death: Passed away on May 31, 2025, after a brief illness.

Sam Pee Yalley

Who he was: Lawyer and government official.

Career: Served as Deputy CEO and Acting CEO of the National Pensions Regulatory Authority. He was also considered for ambassadorial roles and held various advisory positions in governance.

Death: Died on April 6, 2025, after a brief illness.

Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah

Who he was: Minister of Defence in the Government of Ghana.

Career: Long-time public servant with prior roles as Deputy Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Deputy Minister for Youth & Sports, and Minister for Communications. As Defence Minister (appointed January 2025), he focused on military welfare, anti-illegal mining efforts, and security partnerships.

Death: Died in a military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.

Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed

Who he was: Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and Member of Parliament for Tamale Central.

Career: Served in various deputy minister positions and later as substantive Environment Minister from February 2025. Long-time NDC politician with a track record in development planning and legislative work.

Death: Killed in the same helicopter crash on August 6, 2025.

Dr Samuel Sarpong

Who he was: Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former regional minister.

Career: Held key government positions including Ashanti and Central Regional Minister, Mayor of Kumasi, and Vice Chairman of the NDC. Known for his leadership roles in public service and party organization.

Death: Died in the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash along with other government officials.

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings

Who she was: Former First Lady of Ghana and political leader.

Career: Served as First Lady (1979; 1981–2001) alongside President Jerry John Rawlings. Founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement and later the National Democratic Party (NDP), she made history as the first woman to run for President in Ghana (2016 and 2020). Her work focused on women’s rights, social justice, and civic empowerment.

Death: Passed away on October 23, 2025, at age 76.

Alhaji Mohammed Sani Senior

Who he was: Former Ashanti Regional First Vice Chairman of the NDC.

Career: A founding member and high-profile voice in NDC politics, known for political commentary and grassroots influence in the Ashanti Region, often engaged in national political debates.

Death: Reportedly died on December 9, 2025.

John Sebiyam Nabila

Who he was: Academic, traditional leader, and former President of the National House of Chiefs.

Career: Paramount Chief (Wulugu Naba), academic and former head of Geography at the University of Ghana. Served as President of the National House of Chiefs (2008–2016) and as Minister for Information and Tourism under the Limann government. Played roles in national policy, traditional governance, and chieftaincy reforms.

Death: Died in October 2025 after a short illness.

AE