The late Sir John
SCORES OF mourners, including Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, yesterday trooped down to Sakora Wonoo in the Ashanti Region to mourn the late Lawyer Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John.
Sir John, who was one-time General Secretary of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), died suddenly after succumbing to a short illness whilst receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.
There were wild speculations that he died of Covid-19 complications, but his family vehemently debunked that claim, insisting that Sir John died due to a different ailment.
Yesterday (Wednesday), which was the one-week observance of the late former NPP general secretary, attracted a huge number of mourners from all over the country to Sakora Wonoo, his hometown, in the Kwabre East District.
More Tears
The solemn occasion was characterized by weeping and wailing by the mourners, especially the women, who could not control the shock and sadness over the demise of the popular politician.
For instance, some of the mourners, especially those that were very close to the late NPP bigwig, were seen openly cursing their stars. Some of the mourners even lay on the ground and wept bitterly.
NPP Delegation
The NPP was represented at the event by the Vice-President, Dr. Bawumia; NPP National Chairman, Freddie W. Blay; John Boadu, General Secretary; Sammi Awuku, National Organizer; and Henry Nana Boakye, National Youth Organizer.
The Ashanti Regional branch of the ruling political party was also heavily represented at the function. The Chairman of the NPP in the region, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, led the NPP delegation.
NDC Delegation
The General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who was very close to Sir John, was at Sakora Wonoo to mourn his departed friend, together with other known NDC members in the Ashanti Region like Appiah Stadium.
Other Dignitaries
Also at Sakora Wonoo to mourn the deceased politician included traditional leaders, the clergy, media practitioners and legal practitioners, some of whom were classmates of Sir John at law schools.
The late Sir John, until his death, was the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission.
Reports indicated that the family was planning to hold his final funeral rites in March next year.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr
Kumasi