Amissah-Arthur served his nation with honour – Spio-Garbrah

Flagbearer hopeful of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah has said the late vice-president Kwesi Amissah-Arthur served his nation well and with honour.

Recalling his working relationship with the late vice president who died on Friday, 29 June 2018, Dr Spio-Garbrah in a statement said: “I had the privilege of serving with him in the Government of President Jerry John Rawlings when he was Deputy Minister of Finance and I was Minister for Communications.

“Later he became my boss when he was Vice President to President Mahama and I was Minister for Trade and Industry. In both positions, but also as leading members of the Prof Atta Mills campaign teams for the 2000 and 2004 Elections, we worked closely together on a number of national and political issues.

“I came to appreciate his non-materialistic personal modesty, his self-restraint under various provocations, his firmness of opinion, clarity of thought and principled positions on numerous matters of State. He served his nation and community well and with honour. He will be missed by his family, friends, the NDC, and the people of Ghana, especially those from the Central Region. Our condolences go to his wife Matilda and to his children and immediate family. May his soul Rest in Peace.”

Reports indicate that Amissah-Arthur collapsed at the Airforce Gym on Friday morning during a workout session, and was rushed to the 37 Military Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Amissah-Arthur was the sixth Vice President of Ghana, in office from 6 August 2012 until 7 January 2017, under President John Dramani Mahama. Previously, he was Governor of the Bank of Ghana from 2009 to 2012.

He was sworn in as Vice President on 6 August 2012, following vetting by Parliament.

He was nominated by Former President John Dramani Mahama to be vice president a week after Mahama himself was sworn in. This followed the sudden death of President John Atta Mills on 24 July 2012.