Nana Akufo-Addo has eulogised former General Secretary of the governing New Patriotic Party, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie who died on Wednesday at the country’s premier hospital in Accra.
Mr. Owusu Afriyie popularly called Sir John, is suspected to have died of complications after contracting coronavirus. He had been at the Intensive Care Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital for days.
Tributes have been pouring in thick and fast as the nation mourns his sudden demise.
President Akufo-Addo said, Sir John’s death came to him with “great shock and deep sadness”.
The president used several adjectives to describe how he felt about Sir John as well as his total embodiment.
“Passionate devotee of the Danquah-Dombo-Busia political tradition, outstanding stalwart of the NPP, strong defender of human rights as a lawyer, proud, faithful adherent of the Christian Adventist faith – these were the multi-facetted aspects of the career and character of ‘Sir John’, which earned him considerable renown both as erstwhile General Secretary of the NPP and CEO of the Forestry Commission.
“Energetic, ebullient, jovial, with an exceptional sense of humour, and possessing a limitless store of folktales and proverbs, he affected positively every person with whom he came into contact.
“He was truly unforgettable, and our party and government owe him an immense debt for his work and commitment.”
President Akufo-Addo, on his own behalf and that of his wife Rebecca, extended their “deepest condolences” to the family of Sir John.
Sir John is a native of Sakora Wonoo in the Ashanti region, and the president said they have lost a valiant son who “will be widely missed”.
“May the Good Lord bless him, and give him a peaceful place of abode in His Bosom until the Last Day of the Resurrection when we shall all meet again.
“Sir John, we will never forget you!!”
