Vice President of Ghana Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is saddened by the death of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie affectionately known as Sir John.

The former General Secretary for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is reported to have died in Accra on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, after a short illness.

Following news of the development, Dr Bawumia via social media recalled that "I spoke with Sir John only yesterday but little did I know that was our last conversation."

He further described Sir John as "a good man who truly paid his dues to the Party and Ghana. I will miss him."

"Sir John was a good man who truly paid his dues to the Party and Ghana. I will miss him. My heartfelt condolences to his family. Rest in peace, my good friend," he posted.

Earlier, National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Freddie Blay told JoyNews he was shocked at the news of the death.

“I’m in shock. I am trying, as it were, to digest it. I still cannot believe it,” Mr Blay said.

The clearly distraught Chairman told Emefa Apawu that Sir John’s demise was a big loss to the party and the country.