A leading member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe says the sudden demise of former vice president Alhaji Aliu Mahama comes as a deep shock and a “great loss” to the party.

He described the former vice president who died Friday at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital after a short illness as a great man who served his nation with all sincerity.

The late Aliu Mahama will be buried on Saturday November 17 at the Military Cemetery, Osu in Accra.

Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Friday, the former Ambassador to Serbia and Montenegro said the late Aliu Mahama was an embodiment of humility whose wit and wise counsels on the development of Ghana would be greatly missed.

He described the loss as a sad moment for the nation and called on all and sundry to remain calm and prayerful.

Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe recalled how the late former vice president out of generosity reacted swiftly to ensure some detained women at the Korle Bu labour ward who could not pay their medical bills, were released on government subvention.

“Aliu Mahama is someone I respect a lot because he always listens. To get someone with his experience and knowledge from the north to fill his position in the NPP will be very difficult” he added.

Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe sent a message of condolence to the wife Hajia Ramatu Mahama, family, and other relatives of the late leader and urged them to have faith in God.