Blame NDC for Amissah-Arthur's death - Party member

The founder and president of the opposition National Democratic Congress' (NDC's) Serial Callers Association of Western Region, William Gyima known as Abeiku Prestea has chided the leadership of the party over the sudden death of Ghana's former President, Mr. Amissah Arthur.

Amissah Arthur collapsed at the Air Force Gym in Accra Friday morning during a workout session. He was rushed to the 37 Military Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Following his sudden demise, scores of Ghanaians led by President Nana Addo Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former president John Dramani Mahama among other state personalities have extended their deepest condolences to the wife and family of the late former Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur.

But, commenting on the demise of the former statesman, the leader of the Serial Caller's Association pointed accusing fingers at the leadership of the NDC saying "he was not treated fairly."

According to him, the NDC neglected Amissah-Arthur after the party went into opposition after suffering a humiliating defeat by the New Patriotic Party in the 2016 elections.

He claimed that the former Governor of Bank of Ghana was frustrated and as a result of over thinking and disappointment from his party, he met his untimely death.

He also alleged the party had plans to select a new person as a running mate should the former President John Mahama contest and win the upcoming NDC presidential primaries.



Mr. Gyima buttressed his point saying the leadership of the party never involved the late Amissah Arthur in the 'Unity Walks' and only gave the platforms to former President Mahama to market himself.

"Our leadership didn't try well at all for deliberately ignored Mr. Amissah Arthur from the Unity Walks and gave the platforms to Mr. John Mahama, and these things contributed to his death and I also blamed Mr. John Mahama for also neglecting Mr. Amissah", he explained.

"How can somebody who was not sick passed on just like that, this is serious, late Amissah Arthur was not treated fairly, his soul rest in perfect peace".

Mr. Gyima expressed his deepest condolences to the former President's family and to all members of the NDC.

Meanwhile, Former President, John Mahama says Amissah-Arthur, actively supported his administration to put Ghana on the path of growth and development.

“Paa Kwesi was a quintessential gentleman who brought immense knowledge, decency and integrity to governance and public service.

“His passing has left a huge void in our nation and we are overwhelmed with grief,” former Mahama eulogised.

Profile of Amissah-Arthur

Before becoming Veep in August 2012, he was Governor of the Bank of Ghana from 2009 to 2012.

From 1983 to 1986, Amissah-Arthur served as a special assistant to the Secretary of Finance and Economic Planning, Kwesi Botchwey under the Provisional National Defense Council (PNDC) government.

He also served as the Deputy Secretary for Finance in the PNDC government from February 1986 to March 1993.

From April 1993, he continued as the Deputy Minister for Finance in the under the Fourth Republic’s first government until March 1997.

Mr. Amissah-Arthur was appointed as Governor of the Bank of Ghana in October 2009 by then-President John Atta Mills.

He held that position until August 6 2012, when he became Vice-President of Ghana following the death of Atta Mills.