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Ghana mourns former Vice President Amissah Arthur

June 30, 2018

[caption id="attachment_49806" align="alignleft" width="713"] Amissah Arthur[/caption]

Ghana’s only surviving former Vice President has died. His Excellency Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur died shortly after being rushed to the 37th Military Hospital after he reportedly collapsed while at the Airforce Base Gym early Friday morning. It is currently unclear what the cause of his death is. Vice president Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia has described his departed predecessor Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur as “a first class gentleman.”

Amissah-Arthur was an economist, academic and politician who was the sixth Vice-President of Ghana, in office from 6 August 2012 until 7 January 2017, under President John Mahama.

Paying tribute to the former governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Bawumia noted he “dutifully served” the nation.

“I received with shock and sadness the sudden death of my predecessor, His Excellency Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur, former Vice President of the Republic.

“He dutifully served our nation in the high offices of Governor of the Bank of Ghana and Vice President of the Republic,” the Vice president said in a Facebook post.

Dr. Bawumia stated: “He was always civil and can be described as a first class gentleman. My condolences to his family, wife, children, the NDC fraternity, and the entire nation. May his gentle soul Rest In Peace.”

On his part, President Akufo-Addo expressed shock at the death of former Vice President Amissah-Arthur.

In a tweet, the President acknowledged the contribution of the late Amissah-Arthur to the development of the state noting “he appeared to have more to offer”.

“I have learnt with shock and great sadness the sudden death of the former Vice President of the Republic, His Excellency Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur. He has been a longstanding public servant, who discharged his duties with dignity. The news of his death is unfortunate, since he appeared to have a lot to contribute to the public life of our country.

“My thoughts and sympathies are with his wife, children and family. I extend my deepest condolences to them, and also to the former President of the Republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, and to the National Democratic Congress, of which the former Vice President was a prominent member. Ghana has lost a fine public servant,” the President wrote on Facebook.

Former President John Mahama said he is in shock following the death of his second in command.

In a tweet to confirm his death, Mr. Mahama exclaimed: “Shocking!”

He added: “No! PK was only last Saturday actively involved in our party’s constituency elections in the Central Region. Very sad Friday!”

The dismissed Chairperson of the Electoral Commission Charlotte Osei has eulogized the late Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur describing him as a true gentlemen.

In a Facebook post, Mrs. Osei who was removed as EC chair by President Akufo-Addo Thursday night, wrote: “My heart is truly broken this morning by the very saddened and extremely sad passing away of HE. Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur. The Former Vice President was a gentleman among gentlemen, always dignified and respectful of all others regardless of their stature in life. He was restrained in his politics, exceptionally brilliant and full of integrity. This is a sad loss for this country, may God give his family strength and comfort. May God grant him a peaceful rest”.

Meanwhile, the first lady Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo has also expressed her shock over Amissah-Arthur’s death.

 

Amissah-Arthur was an economist, academic and politician who was the sixth Vice-President of Ghana, in office from 6 August 2012 until 7 January 2017, under President John Dramani He was sworn in as Vice-President on 6 August 2012, following vetting by the Parliament of Ghana. He was nominated by President John Dramani Mahama to be the vice-president a week after Mahama himself was sworn in. This followed the sudden death of John Atta Mills on 24 July 2012.

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