Amissah-Arthur: I didn't expect to be nominated as Veep

The man who has been nominated by President John Dramani Mahama to be his vice has openly stated that he never expected to be selected for the top job.

According to Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Mr. Kwesi Bekoe Amissah Arthur, just like many Ghanaians, he was taken by surprise when he was contacted by the president.

Speaking to journalists after signing the Book of Condolence of the late President Mills at the State House on Thursday afternoon, Mr Amissah-Arthur said “I was rooting for one of my colleagues who I thought was good but the President has some definite views about what he wants and when he asked me, I couldn’t refuse.”

He said “it’s an honour to be asked to serve and I accepted the request of the President to become his deputy.”

Recounting the death of his late friend, Mr. Amissah-Arthur said President Mills’ death came to him as a shock because neither he nor his colleagues expected that the law professor was going to pass away at such a time.

“It was a shock. Like most Ghanaians, it was a major shock. We’ve seen him in the last few weeks. We know that he has been unwell but nobody expected this to happen and it’s still difficult for us to accept that this has happened,” he said.

Mr. Amissah-Arthur recalled many moments with President Mills and how the latter continued to fight to ensure that he succeeded despite the hard times that were encountered.

“The impression I get from listening to messages from people is that the country seems to be one, seeing that his message of peace and forgiveness has gone down with people and people are willing to let bygones be bygones.”

Mr. Amissah Arthur is expected to be vetted by the Appointment Committee of Parliament on Monday before he can assume office. His appointment is only limited to the remaining term under this administration.

The National Democratic Congress is expected to go to congress to endorse and acclaim the leadership of President John Mahama as flagbearer of the party. A running-mate for the December polls will be selected to partner President Mahama afterwards.**