NPP flags fly at half-mast in honour of Sir John

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a directive for all its flags across the country to fly at half-mast following the death of former General Secretary, Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie.

“As a mark of respect in honour of his memory, the NPP directs that all party flags at the National Headquarters and in the respective Regions and Constituencies be flown at half-mast for the next seven days,” a statement from NPP General Secretary said.

The party expressed sadness over the death of its former General Secretary, popularly known as Sir John.

He gave up the ghost on Wednesday at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital after battling COVID-19.

The party said it received the news “with profound shock and disbelief” and eulogised the private legal practitioner who was the CEO of the Forestry Commission at the time of his death.

Sir John served the party in various capacities at all levels, culminating in his election as the NPP General Secretary in 2010.

The party has rated his performance with distinction and expressed how “saddened” they were by the death.

The leadership extended “its condolence to his immediate family, particularly his wife and children for this incalculable loss”.

“The NPP equally commiserates with his close associates in the party as well as workers of the Forestry Commission and indeed the rest of the nation for the loss of such a great national asset,” the statement said.

To commiserate with the family, President Nana Akufo-Addo, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, and several party members have poured in their tributes.

Sir John is the second key figure in the party to succumb to the disease following the death of the Sekondi /Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly Chief Executive, Anthony Kobina Kurentsir Sam.

Meanwhile, the party is facing several other key figures being hospitalised over the contagion.

Campaign manager Peter Mac Manu and Deputy Trade Minister Carlos Ahenkorah were reported hospitalised at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

A few weeks before, Education Minister Matthew Opoku Prempeh and Minister for Regional Re-organisation and Development, Dan Botwe were admitted to the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC).

The two ministers have not confirmed if they have been infected with the disease, with the public yet to be made aware of their test results.