Akufo-Addo announces Jake's death to grief-stricken congregation in Kumasi

Flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party Nana Akufo-Addo has described as a tragedy, the passing of former NPP chairman Jake Obetsebi Lamptey.

Mr Obetsebi-Lamptey died early Sunday in the United Kingdom after a short illness.

The cause of his death is not known for now. Mr Obetsebi Lamptey served in various ministerial positions during the Kufour administration and led the NPP in the 2012 general elections.

Addressing worshippers of the Power Chapel in Kumasi today, Nana Akufo Addo eulogized the former NPP chair and called on the congregation to observe a minute silence.

"On my way here today i got some very bad news and i have to share it with you. A man who has been a lifelong friend of mine, we grew up together. Our fathers worked together for Ghana. They were part of the people who gathered in Saltpond on the 4th of August 1947 to establish the UGCC from where begun our struggle for freedom and independence.

"He has been lifelong supporter of our party's tradition and values. Recently he has not been well and was flown to South Africa and later to London. This morning, Jake Obetsebi Lamptey went to our Lord," Akufo-Addo said to a grief stricken congregation.

The party has meanwhile, asked party officials to fly all party flags at their offices nationwide at half-mast. Acting General Secretary John Boadu in a statement described Mr Obsetsebi-Lamptey as a man who served his party selflessly and diligently.