Nana Susu Bribi, popularly known as Arafat, who serves as Otumfuo’s Chief Security and is also the Abusuapanyin (family head) of the late John Kumah’s family, has criticised individuals condemning the remarriage of the former wife of the late Ejisu Member of Parliament.
The family head defended Lilian Owusu Kumah, now known as Lilian Aryeequaye, stating that she has committed no offence, sin or wrongdoing by remarrying after the death of her husband, the late John Kumah, who was also a former Deputy Minister of Finance.
According to Nana Susu Bribi, all customary and traditional rites required of Lilian following her husband’s death were fully observed, including the one-year widowhood purification rites.
He stressed that, under customary law, she is therefore free to remarry.
He further warned critics to “stay in their lane,” emphasising that Lilian’s remarriage does not violate family traditions or religious principles.
The Abusuapanyin disclosed that he played a central role in John Kumah’s marriage to Lilian and has equally given his full blessing and support to her remarriage after his death.
Widow of former Deputy Minister of Finance John Kumah remarries after a year
Nana Susu Bribi made these remarks while speaking during a church service at Lilian’s church on Sunday, December 28, 2025.
“I want the whole world to know that Lilian has committed no sin by remarrying. John Kumah is my junior sister’s son and my elder son is 50 years old. I personally received the marriage for them in Obuasi. For John Kumah to become who he was, it was through me.
“Even God says only death separates married couples. After the one-year widowhood rites, she has completed all the necessary traditional processes to remarry. So, what sin has she committed?
“I encouraged her to remarry, so she has committed no sin against the family or against God. As former President John Atta Mills once said, Mondi mo fie asem’ everyone should mind their own business.”
Meanwhile, Apostle Lilian Owusu has addressed public concerns surrounding her remarriage following intense debate on social media.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service at her church on Sunday, December 21, 2025, Apostle Owusu explained that her decision to remarry was carefully considered and grounded in faith, love, and personal conviction.
She stated that the decision was not influenced by public pressure but by her resolve to move forward with life rather than remain trapped in grief.
“I believe in ‘forward ever, backward never.’ By the grace of God, I prayed and made up my mind to move forward. I will not allow pain to cage me. I have a lot to do,” she said.
She explained that resilience and optimism form part of her family’s values.
“This is the culture of the family, no matter what comes, we look at the positive side and move forward. By the grace of God, my prayer was that God would bring a man into the house of God,” she added.
Apostle Owusu described her new marriage as one founded on prayer and genuine affection, noting that it was not entered into lightly.
“They came for a business alliance, and it was love at first sight. He pursued me, and fortunately, it happened at a time when I was ready,” she said.
She was quick to clarify that her new husband is not a replacement for her late spouse.
“God has answered our prayers and given us a calm man. He is not a replacement. Nobody has said we have gotten a replacement,” she emphasised.
Apostle Lilian Owusu remarried approximately 18 months after the death of her husband, Dr John Kumah, who passed away on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the age of 45. She is now married to Samuel Aryeequaye and is known as Apostle Lilian Aryeequaye.
She remains the founder, Senior Pastor, and General Overseer of Disciples of Christ Ministries, also known as Disciples of Christ Ministries Worldwide.
News of her remarriage has sparked intense debate on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where opinions have been sharply divided.
Some critics argued that the remarriage came too soon after the legislator’s death, with others making cynical remarks such as, “Just know you can be replaced when you’re no more,” and “Fake tears all because the support system is gone.”
However, many users have rallied in her defence, insisting that widowhood should not condemn a woman to a lifetime of loneliness and that every individual has the right to rebuild their life.
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