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Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo�s immense popularity in Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital became manifest over the weekend when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate visited the city to attend the funeral of a departed party guru. The emergence of the NPP leader and his entourage at the funeral of the late Manhyia Constituency NPP Chairman, Nana Boakye Osei Mensah suddenly sent the mourners into an ecstatic mood. Wailing by the mourners at the Prempeh Assembly Hall suddenly diminished when Nana Akufo Addo entered the venue. The mourners, who sang the party�s tunes swiftly turned the funeral into a carnival. For about one hour, the mourners, most of whom, were clad in the NPPs red, white and blue colours, boldly showered praises on Nana Addo. The NPP flagbearer, who was overwhelmed by the rousing welcome accorded him by the mourners, raised his right hand to wave the crowd in admiration. Nana Addo was accompanied to the funeral by party bigwigs such as Jake Obestebi-Lamptey, NPP National Chairman, Lawyer Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie aka �Sir John,� NPP General Secretary and Fred Fredua Anto, Ashanti Regional Chairman, NPP. The rest were Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, Member of Parliament (MP) Kwadaso, Yaw Osafo Maafo, Dr. Kwame Addo Kufuor, just to mention a few. The late NPP Chairman for Manhyia Constituency, Nana Boakye Osei Mensah died at the age of 76 years after a short illness in Kumasi. He left behind several children and grand children. Nana Akufo Addo, a personal friend of the late NPP chairman, in his tribute which he read in both English and Twi, described the departed politician as an embodiment of democracy and a strong pillar of the NPP. He eulogized the organizational acumen of the late Nana Mensah, stressing that the vacuum created would be very difficult to fill. After the church service at the Prempeh Assembly Hall, which was attended by NPP supporters and sympathizers across the country, the mortal remains of the late NPP guru was interred.