Residents of Kwabre town of Sakora Wonoo are in a state of mourning following the death of an industrious son of the town, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie popularly known as Sir John.

From the young to the aged, people are cladded in red or black clothes with many trooping the family house of the late politician to express their condolence.

Mr. Owusu Afriyie, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission and a former General Secretary of the governing New Patriotic Party passed on at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Wednesday.

Sources say he died after testing positive for Covid-19.

The NPP stalwart succumbed to complications of the disease while undergoing treatment at the Intensive Care Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

Before his death, there had been unconfirmed news that his biological sister and a maternal aunt had also died from the disease.

Comfort Amoateng aged 71, and Obaapanin Kate Serwaa aged 96 were scheduled to be buried on August 27, 2020.

Nephew of the late Sir John who spoke to JoyNews’ Ohemeng Tawiah during a visit to his family house said it will take decades for Sakora Wonoo to get over the loss.

According to him, Sir John has not only been an inspiration to the community but a strong pillar constantly pushing for development and upgrade for the town.

At Sakora Wonoo, Sir John is credited for the provision of street lights, and the construction of the Asonomaso-Sakora Wonoo-Ahodwo road and a teachers' quarters.

Residents say he was also building a hospital for the community.

Meanwhile, the campaign manager for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Peter Mac Manu is reported to be at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital after he tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease.

Also on admission to the Unit is the Deputy Trade Minister, Carlos Ahenkorah.

There are reports that two other Deputy Ministers and a Chief of Staff have all tested positive for the virus and are receiving treatment.