Former President, John Dramani Mahama has mourned the passing of former Finance Minister, Dr Kwesi Botchwey.

In a social media post on Tuesday, Mr Mahama recalled how they celebrated the late Dr Kwesi Botchwey’s 78th birthday party, and according to him, they danced to the popular music “Buga” by Nigerian artiste Kizz Daniel.

Mr Mahama said he thinks the late Botchwey used the occasion to say his last goodbyes to his friends. 

“We danced "Buga", ate, and drank at your 78th birthday party.

“On hindsight, it will appear you were assembling all your friends and comrades to say goodbye.”

He added that Dr Botchwey died as a statesman. 

“You have served your God, your country, and your party faithfully, and now it is time to have a rest.”

“May God grant you peaceful repose,” he concluded.

The late law Professor died on Saturday, November 19.

The erstwhile NDC appointee died after a short illness.

This sad incident reportedly happened at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was receiving treatment.

Prior to his demise, he was a key member of the Council of Elders of the National Democratic Congress, having played an integral role in the evolution of the NDC, from its PNDC era.

He died at age 78.

Dr. Botchwey was Minister of Finance and Economic Planning from 1982 to 1995 when he was appointed by the late President J.J. Rawlings to assist in stabilising Ghana’s economy at the time.

He received his secondary school education at Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School in Accra. 

Dr. Botchwey holds an LL.B from the University of Ghana, a LL.M from Yale Law School, and doctorate from the University of Michigan Law School. 

He taught at the University of Zambia, the University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and the University of Ghana.