Former Communications Director of the NPP, Adomako Baafi has described the death of Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie as not just a big loss to the incumbent party, but the country as a whole.

Sir John as he is widely known, passed on at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital on Wednesday evening.

The lawyer who until his death was the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission is reported to have contracted the novel Coronavirus.

Since news of his demise became public, tributes have been coming in thick and fast as people express their shock and sadness.

On Peace FM’s Kokroko show, Adomako Baafi recounted his last interaction with Sir John which happened some three weeks.

He enumerated a number of things which he reckons signify Sir John’s contribution to the NPP and the country.

Adomako, who broke down uncontrollably at the tail end of his submissions talked up the impact Sir John had on his political life.

“A big tree has fallen in this country. Something big has happened in this country. It was three weeks ago when I visited him. He was in a ‘camboo’ and shorts and we had fun. We spoke a lot and he told me he’ll visit Kumasi the next Monday. I called him on Tuesday and he told me he is unwell so his phone will be off. Last Saturday, we sent a party member to go to his place and he did not see him. Last night I was there when I got call from one of my pastors who told me that Sir John is dead,” he said.

“Sir John did his part for the country, his family and the NPP. Maybe God is satisfied with his works so he has decided to call him. Sir John’s death goes beyond NPP, NDC and Asanteman. He did not discriminate. Sir John made politics appealing to everyone including Adventists. He was taking care of a lot of people so his death will have a ripple effect on those people,” he said amid tears.

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia labeled him a ‘good man’ who dedicated his life to his party and Ghana.

“I have learned with sadness the passing of Lawyer Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie aka Sir John, former General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party and Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission. I spoke with Sir John only yesterday but little did I know that was our last conversation.

Sir John was a good man who truly paid his dues to the Party and Ghana. I will miss him,” Dr Bawumia’s post read.