Ex-General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, yesterday died of the killer virus, COVID-19 in Accra.
This makes Me. Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir. John, the highest profile political figure to have died from the disease at a time some three cabinet ministers of the Akufo-Addo government are reported to be responding well to treatment.
Details are sketchy but he is said to have succumbed to complications of the disease while undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.
His death has thrown the country into a state of shock with many waking up to the reality of COVID-19, which sounds so far away but very near.
He is suspected to have had some underlying health issues including hypertension and diabetes leading to complications in his treatment.
“Sir John”, who was lawyer by profession, until his death was CEO of the Forestry Commission.
Other media outlets including Accra-based Joy FM, has also reported that the man from died after testing positive for COVID-19.
He was a devout member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, and flaunted it to all who didn’t even ask.
He hailed from Sakora Wonoo is a kente clothing weaving urban area in the Kwabre East District of Ashanti, noted for its Kente weaving alongside Bonwire and Adanwomase.
He was a friend to many across the political divide, but remained committed to the ideals of the NPP.
Eugene Arhin, the Communication Director for the President, Nana Akufo-Addo, took to his Facebook page with the words: R.I.P Sir John Till we meet again!!
Deputy Chief of Staff to President, Francis Asenso-Boakye also took to his Facebook page stating “We have lost an extraordinary man; a good human being. Sir John was a man of undoubted personal characteristics. Rest In Peace, uncle till we meet again.
Mr. Fredy Nyarko, a journalist a former News Editor of The Enquirer newspaper, who also knew Sir John well also wrote “I remember our late night meetings at SSNIT Guest House after you won the General Secretary slot. You were so real and had humour even in ‘hot’ and tensed situations. You didn’t believe in politics of hatred. You were a good man. May your soul repose in eternal peace, SIR”.
NPP strong woman, Madam Alberta Afia Akoto, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), under the office of the President of Ghana could not hide her sadness either.
She also took to her Facebook page writing “The People’s General! The only Sir in our body politics, Foot soldiers Chairman, market women’s husband, the farmers kookoase kurasenii, the trotro drivers’ spokesperson, the Wonoo krakye, Everyone’s Sir John! General Why! Ah General wa ha me pa pa!
