Tribute read by H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at Sir John's Funeral
Heartfelt words from the President as he pays tribute to the Late Sir John.
Snr. Kwame Kusi 
The President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo arrived at Sakora Wonoo in the Kwabre East of the Ashanti Region to mourn with the family of the late Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie aka Sir John.
The former boss of the Forestry Commission died at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, after an illness.
These are the words of His Excellency Nana Addo:
"Make no mistake, and Nana will lead NPP, even if he is in a wheelchair. The date was 3rd September 2013 that |Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie was in the studios of Hello FM a Kumasi-based radio station, making this famous statement with such utter conviction.
Many are those who wonder why Sir John as he was referred to by all will make these comments, then three days after the Supreme Court handed down his controversial five/four verdict in the election petition of 2013. Indeed around the field in the new party. We believe he had all been declared me as presidential candidate for the party for the 2016 election, three clear years ahead of time.
Perhaps He had seen something others had not. For me, that statement in September 2013 reinforced my belief that I can always count on Sir John affectionately known as such as the only night in Ghanaian politics, as a true and true Akufo Addo loyalist and someone I could call a good friend and so, it proved. Even though he lost his pet to retain his position as General Secretary of the party.
He never left my side. He campaigned vigorously for me in the run-up to the 2016 election on radio, on the campaign platform in the hinterlands said John, was there. His joy knew no bounds is drawn when the NPP and I won the elections of 2016 decided. I have the privilege of appointing him as chief executive officer of the Forestry Commission, and his record in office vindicated the choice I made. Like everyone who had the opportunity of knowing him, I received the news of his death, with great shock. The disbelief and grief, expressed by many at the news of his death, our testimony to how people in and out of the NPP felt about him.
A passionate devotee of the Danquah Dombo Busia political tradition outstanding member of the NPP strong defender of human rights as a lawyer, proud faithful adherent of the seven-day Christian Adventist faith. These well the multifaceted aspects of the career and character of Sir John, which has been great affection and considerable renown.
An energetic, jovial, with an exceptional sense of humour and possessing a limitless store of folktales and Proverbs, he affected positively, every person with whom he came into contact. He was truly unforgettable at our party and owe him an immense debt for his work and commitment.
My wife Rebecca and I extend our deepest condolences to his entire family Sakora Wonoo have lost a valuable son. He will be widely missed"
The funeral will be followed by a burial service where his mortal remains will be put to rest at the Sakora Wonoo family Cemetary.
Thanksgiving Service is on Saturday at the Sakora Wonoo Seventh Day Adventist Church on Saturday, June, 5.
Isaac Owusu, Ashanti Region
