Mr. John Dramani Mahama, running mate to the flag-bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), says the death of the late Finance and Economic Planning Minister, Kwadwo Baah -Wiredu, as a great loss to the State. Signing the book of condolence in Accra on Monday Mr. Mahama said, death has caused a great loss to the state, adding, “What a waste at the prime time of your life.” Referring to the deceased, Mr Mahama said: "You always called me Boris Veltsin with your perpetual cheerful smile, words cannot describe how sad we feel. Fare thee well." Mr. Mahama expressed shock and regret over the death of Mr Baah-Wiredu whom he said entered Parliament with him in the same year - 1997. "He is a very cheerful person who related to all manner of people so well. If Ghana had 10 politicians of his kind, the country would have no problem," he added. The NDC running mate expressed condolence to the bereaved family and pledged his full support to help provide a befitting funeral for the late minister. Mr Mahama, who was accompanied by Mr Mike Oboubi, NDC USA Caucus Chairman and other party sympathisers presented 10 cartons of mineral water to the family. Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, flag-bearer of the Convention People's Party (CPP) who was also at the late Minister's residence in Accra to sign the book of condolence also expressed shock at the death. He said the deceased cooperated with him very well when he picked up his ministerial appointment under President Kufuor's administration, saying his non-partisan nature strengthened the ties between them. "He always told me that he would give me an appointment should he become a President before I do and I always replied in the same way to him any time we met," the CPP flag-bearer added. Dr Nduom said since the deceased was a calm person, his death should remind all Ghanaians of the need to unite and pursue peace. Mr Felix Owusu-Adjapong, Minister of Energy also wrote in the book of condolence: "This is the time we need you more for the advancement of our country, our government and our party. The question then is why?” Mr Owusu-Adjapong also described the deceased as committed and hardworking. Other personalities present to console the bereaved family included Ms Joyce Aryee, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Mines, mother of Black Stars player Michael Essien, Ms Aba Gyanodey, Laryea Kingston's mother, Ms Agnes Quarcoo and Kumasi Asante Kotoko's Eric Bekoe's mother, Hajia Janet Ofei. The bereaved family has announced that the one week celebration of the late Baah-Wiredu would take place on Wednesday at Asante-Akyem Agogo from 0600 hours to 1800 hours. The late Minister passed away last Wednesday in South Africa. Source: GNA