Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie
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Afriyie in 2019
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| CEO Forestry Commission | |
| In office March 2017 – 1 July 2020 |
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| President | Nana Akuffo-Addo |
| Preceded by | Samuel Afari Dartey |
| Succeeded by | vacant |
| Head of legal GNPC | |
| President | John Agyekum Kufour |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1957 Ghana |
| Died | July 1, 2020 (aged 62–63) Accra, Ghana |
| Political party | New Patriotic Party |
| Residence | Ghana |
| Alma mater | University of Ghana, Ghana School of Law |
| Occupation | Public servant |
| Profession | Lawyer |
Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie (1957 – 1 July 2020) was a Ghanaian lawyer and politician. Many people knew him by his popular nickname, Sir John. He held important jobs in Ghana's government and political parties. Before he passed away, he was the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission of Ghana.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Kwadwo Afriyie was born in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. He went to Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School in Bekwai. There, he earned his GCE Ordinary level certificate.
Later, he got his GCE Advanced level certificate from Konongo Odumase Secondary School in Konongo. He then went to the University of Ghana to study political science.
After university, he studied law at the Ghana School of Law. He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree. He then became a lawyer for the Supreme Court of Ghana.
Career in Public Service
Legal Work
Afriyie started working as a private lawyer in 1981. During the time John Agyekum Kufour was president, Afriyie got a special job. He became the head of legal services at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC). This company manages Ghana's oil and gas. Later, he also worked as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer for GNPC.
Political Work
While working as a lawyer, Afriyie was also very active in Ghanaian politics. He was a key member of the New Patriotic Party. From 2010 to 2014, he served as the party's general secretary. This is a very important role in a political party. He tried to get a second term but lost to Kwabena Agyapong.
Leading the Forestry Commission
In March 2017, President Nana Akuffo-Addo chose Afriyie for a new role. He became the CEO of the Forestry Commission. This commission helps manage Ghana's forests and natural resources. He took over from Samuel Afari Dartey.
Many people were surprised by this appointment. There were rumors that he would lead the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. But that job went to someone else. Afriyie later shared that he turned down the ports job. He said it was because he had a fear of the sea. He thanked the president for the Forestry Commission job. He felt he could make a big difference there. This was because he grew up in a forest area of Ghana.
As CEO, Afriyie was in charge of many public groups. These groups work under the Forestry Commission. One of his first tasks was to help celebrate World Forest Day. This important day is on March 21 each year.
Court Appearance
In July 2013, Afriyie had to appear before the Supreme Court of Ghana. This happened because of some comments he made. He had talked about a court case involving another politician. He suggested that the court was trying to stop people from speaking freely.
When he appeared in court, his lawyer, Ayikoi Otoo, spoke for him. His lawyer said Afriyie was sorry for his comments. He explained that sometimes people say things they don't mean. The Peace Council also asked the court to be understanding.
After a short hearing, the court decided to fine Afriyie 5000 cedis. If he didn't pay, he would face a six-month prison term. Afriyie also had to promise to behave well in the future. He had to apologize to the court within 24 hours. He made his apology using the same way he had made his original comments.
Passing Away
Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie passed away on 1 July 2020. He died in Accra, Ghana. He had tested positive for COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana. He was getting treatment at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital when he died.
Funeral and Burial
Afriyie's funeral was held at Wonoo Basic School Park. He was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He was buried in a special House Tomb in Sakora Wonoo.
Images for kids
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Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie in 2019
