PV Obeng was a passionate nationalist and patriot - Mahama

President John Mahama has expressed deep shock at the sudden death of his Senior Adviser, Mr. Paul Victor Obeng, on Saturday.

In a statement released on Sunday, President Mahama described Paul Victor Obeng as "a passionate nationalist and patriot".

"We have lost a tireless public servant, an admirable unifier and giant of our political landscape over the past 30-plus years," the statement said.

Mr. Paul Victor Obeng, collapsed behind his steering wheel just around the Agape filling station at Spintex, Accra on Saturday, and was pronounced dead on arrival when he was rushed in a taxi to the LEKMA Hospital. He was Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission.

President Mahama in his statement said PV Obeng was his Mentor, an energetic encourager that he leaned on... "I have leaned on him many times for advice, guidance and support. He was always there to bring his vast experience, institutional knowledge and great connections across many sections of Ghanaian society to bear on any challenges we have faced," he said.

Below is the statement from the Flagstaff House on the President's reaction to the death of P.V Obeng:

STATEMENT BY HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA ON THE DEATH OF MR. PAUL VICTOR OBENG

This is a very sad and tragic moment for me, for Ghana and for Ghanaians.

The sudden death of my Senior Adviser and Mentor, Mr. Paul Victor Obeng, has left us in a state of shock and disbelief. The energetic encourager we all simply called PV is no more.

At this moment, my deepest condolences and sympathies, as well as those of my Government, the NDC party, and indeed the whole nation are with his widow, Mrs. Rose Obeng, and all members of his family.

We have lost a tireless public servant, an admirable unifier and giant of our political landscape over the past 30-plus years. PV Obeng has been a passionate nationalist and patriot, full of practical ideas, solutions and optimism, for the good of Ghana and Ghanaians.

I have leaned on him many times for advice, guidance and support. He was always there to bring his vast experience, institutional knowledge and great connections across many sections of Ghanaian society to bear on any challenges we have faced.

Just last Thursday at the National Economic Forum in Senchi, he was ebullient, forward-looking and full of vigour, as he offered his wise counsel throughout the proceedings and to the conclusion of that important event.

I will miss him dearly.

With his affable, jovial and engaging manner, you could always count on him to bring some unique perspectives into discussions. At this sad moment, our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and the entire family.

May his soul rest in perfect peace.