Accra, Sept. 24, GNA - The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has expressed shock at the death of Finance Minister Kwadwo-Baah-Wiredu, saying his passing away was a great loss to the private sector as well. Mr Oteng Gyasi, president of the AGI said his outfit had had worked closely with him to move the business community forward.

"He will be best remembered for the constant and fruitful meetings the Association had with him," Mr Gyasi told the Ghana News Agency. In a related tribute, Mr Isaac Osei, Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board, said he was shattered by the news of Mr Baah-Wiredu's death. "I am shocked so much so that I can't even say anything right now," Mr Osei told the GNA.

"He was a close friend and a good man. We've lost a very humble and technical person," Mr Osei said. As Finance Minister, the late Mr Baah-Wiredu had oversight responsibility for the Cocobod, whose operations had improved tremendously in recent times. An official statement earlier today said Mr Baah-Wiredu died in a South African hospital after a short illness. He was 56.