President Akufo-Addo has joined Ghanaians to bid the late former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie a.k.a Sir John farewell; as he acknowledged the unflinching support, he received from Sir John.
According to the President, the late Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie was very instrumental when he sought to secure the presidential seat.
Calling the late politician, an “Akufo-Addo loyalist”, the President recounted the moment when Sir John, as he is popularly called, expressed confidence in his ability to win the election after some NPP supporters had raised doubts about his capability due to previous unsuccessful outcomes,
President Akufo-Addo stated that the firm resolve and support that the outspoken politician displayed during all electioneering periods, showed the commitment he had for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“‘Make no mistake, Nana will lead NPP, even if he is in a wheelchair’”, the date was September 3, 2013, and Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie was in the studios of Hello FM where he made this famous statement with such utter conviction.
“Many wondered why Sir John, as he was referred to by all, will make this comment barely three days after the Supreme Court handed down its controversial 5:4 verdict in the election petition of 2013. Indeed, it wowed a few in the NPP who believed that he had declared me the presidential candidate for the 2016 election three clear years ahead of time.
“Perhaps, he had seen something others had not. For me, that statement of 3rd September 2013 reinforced my belief that I could always count on Sir John as a true and true Akufo-Addo loyalist and someone I could call a good friend and so it proved,” he said.
Reading a tribute to bid his friend farewell on Thursday, June 3, the President praised Sir John for his charisma and dedication to the party.
“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 Seventh Day Christain Adventist faith – these were the multi-facetted aspects of the career and character of ‘Sir John’, which earned him great affection and considerable renown,” he expressed.
On behalf of the NPP, the General Secretary, John Boadu said the witty nature of the once outspoken politician, Sir John, will forever be remembered by the Party.
The final funeral rites of the politician was held at the Sakora Wonoo Junior High School, in the Kwabre East District of the Ashanti Region, where residents of the community have lined up to file past his remains.
Members of all political divide including the New Patriotic Party (NPP), National Democratic Congress (NDC), Convention Peoples Party (CPP) and others graced the occasion and paid their last respect to the departed politician.
