Vice President Dr Mahamadu Bawumia has paid his last respect to his former press aide, Kwabena Boadu.

READ MORE: Bawumia's aide to be laid to rest today

Thousands of mourners including top personalities throng the forecourt of the State House to pay their last respect to the "gem" Dr Bawumia says was the architect of the NPP's victory.

In a moving tribute, Vice President Bawumia described Boadu as "My friend, my confidant and my brother..."

"It is very difficult to talk about Kwabena in the past tense because it is a situation that I am still trying to come to terms with," he added.

Narrating their first encounter, the Vice President noted that "when I met him, he started work as my press aide."

"Very quickly, our relationship evolved. He became a friend, a confidant, and a younger brother. We drew closer and closer through the years."

Sounding emotional and somber, Vice president Bawumia said Boadu's void can't be filled, saying he is irreplaceable.

READ MORE: 'I am devastated'- Bawumia writes in a short tribute to late aide

He said: "I don't ever think that Kwabena's void can be filled. His passing is a major loss not only to me, but to our party and the country.

"I will really miss Kwabena. Frankly, he is irreplaceable.

"May his soul rest in peace."