President John Agyekum Kufuor has expressed shock at the sudden death of Finance Minister Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, an official statement announced in Accra on Wednesday. "His Excellency the President has been informed about this sad news, he expresses shock about this sudden death and has requested that his condolences should extended to his elderly mother, his wife, children and the rest of the family," the statement signed by Mr. Kwadwo Mpiani, Chief of Staff and Minister of Presidential Affairs said. Baah-Wiredu passed away on Wednesday in a South Africa hospital after a short illness. The statement read: "The Government announces with deep sorrow and shock the death of Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning. "Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu passed away today after a short illness in a South African Hospital." Source: GNA