One of Ghana’s most successful entrepreneurs and Philanthropist, Dr. Osei Kwame ‘Despite’, has expressed shock and sorrow over the sudden death of the Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Paul Victor Obeng.

Dr. Osei Kwame noted that the death of Mr. PV Obeng, who was an engineer, businessman and politician, is a big blow to the private sector where he (PV) was always ready and willing to offer his ideas.

Speaking to the paper in an interview following the sudden death of the distinguished statesmen, Osei Kwame, Chief Executive Officer of the Despite Group of Companies, comprising the media conglomerate; Peace FM, Peacefmonline.com, Okay FM, Hello FM, Neat FM and UTV, and other businesses, described PV Obeng as someone who had time for everyone and was always ready to assist.

Recounting his first meeting with the late PV Obeng, OK, as he (Despite) is affectionately called, said he came face to face with P.V. Obeng when he wanted to venture into the salt production industry.

“Ernest (CEO of Special Ice Mineral Water) and myself went to his office in Tema for ideas and counsel regarding salt production and we marveled at and were awed by his humility and willingness to support our project despite the fact that he was also into the same business…” he noted

“I am totally shocked about the news of his death, it’s the Lord who gives and takes when he wants to; but this is very painful. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” he stated. Our gratitude go to the late Mr. Obeng for “it is through his support and advice that we are the third largest salt producer in the country: U2 iodated salt company.

The Chairman of the NDPC died last Saturday after a suspected asthma attack. He was said to have collapsed behind his steering wheel just around the Agapet filling station at Spintex, Accra and was rushed to the Lekman Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The Municipal Health Director at Lekma, Dr. Leticia Wiafe, told the media Dr. Obeng was brought to the hospital in a taxi.

The taxi driver reportedly saw Dr. Obeng’s car parked in the middle of the road and decided to check and find out what was wrong. He was said to have found Mr. Obeng’s head bowed behind the steering wheel. His death has shocked the nation and the political establishment.

Mr. PV. Obeng and Dr. Osei Kwame served as board members of Kumasi Asante Kotoko.