Emulate Amissah Arthur – Sir John tells Politicians

Mr Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, a former General Secretary of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), on Thursday urged politicians to emulate the humble posture of the late former Vice President Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur.

Mr Owusu-Afriyie, made the appeal in an interview with the Ghana News Agency at the funeral of the late Amissah-Arthur in Accra, stressing that he was saddened by the demise of the former Vice President.

“Here was a man, who even in death was as gentle and peaceful as he had always been. Anybody who knows the late Amissah-Arthur knows that this was a fine gentleman who would not respond even in extreme provocations,” he added.

Mr Owusu-Afriyie, who is also the Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, said: “I think that politicians from all walks of life should emulate such shining example that he led even whilst he was alive”.

On behalf of the NPP and the Forestry Commission, Mr Owusu-Afriyie extended his condolences to the bereaved family, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and former President John Dramani Mahama, under whom the late Amissah-Arthur served as Vice President.

About Amissah-Arthur

Before becoming Vice President 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, 67, 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.

The late Amissah-Arthur, died on Friday 29th June and his mortal remains had been laid in state at the foyer of the Accra International Conference Centre for public viewing.

His funeral service would be held on Friday, July 27, from 0900 hours to 1200 mid-day at the main auditorium of the Accra International Conference Centre.

This would be followed by internment at the new Military Cemetery at Burma Camp. A wife and two children survive him.