He Was a Gentleman’s Gentleman

Today, the nation bids a final farewell to one of her most illustrious sons, who passed away a few weeks ago at the prime age of sixty-eight.

Even though death, according to great philosophers like William Shakespeare, is a necessary end, the solemn passing of Mr. Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, Ghana’s immediate past Vice President, was shocking to everyone (yes everyone).

Actually, the national disbelief that greeted the news of his death on that fateful morning of June 29, 2018 was quite understandable. He looked hale and hearty, did not report of or complain about any illness, was not involved in a motor accident, or anything of the sort; but reportedly collapsed during his daily physical exercise, and that was it. What a way to go?

Today, as the nation lays the mortal remains of the former Veep in his final place of abode, THE PUBLISHER devotes its editorial page to the qualities of Amissah-Arthur, and why he will never be forgotten.

All through his life, he had proven himself as a personality whose humility knows no bounds, and is well identified for his immense contributions towards the growth, and general welfare of the people in this country.

It is therefore not an overstatement when people describe him as selfless, truly confident, intelligent, incorruptible, God-fearing and builder of human social bridges.

Let us look at the background of the man whose political opponents all agree had a depth of knowledge that was arresting.

Amissah-Arthur had his General Certificate of Education “O” and “A” Levels at Mfantsipim Secondary School from 1964 to 1971. He pursued to the University of Ghana, where he obtained his Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees in economics.

He lectured at the Department of Economics at the University of Ghana between 1980 and 1988. In between that period, he lectured at the Department of Economics, Anambra State College of Education, Awka, Nigeria from August 1981to July 1983).

He later worked as Consultant for the World Bank in The Gambia, and also for the Netherlands government Education project in Ghana. Between 1988 and 2000, he worked as Senior Economist for the Sigma One Corporation in Ghana and between 2001 and 2002, he was on assignment for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.

It was during his tenure as the Governor of the Bank of Ghana that the country attained a middle income status.

Mr Amissah-Arthur was appointed Governor of the Bank of Ghana in October 2009, a position he held till 6^th Augus,t 2012, when he became Vice President.

Records say in his days as Vice President and chairman of the Police & Armed Forces Council, Mr Amissah Arthur on the quiet brokered truce and eased tension on a lot of national issues.

Ghana has thus lost a great teacher, a technocrat, a democrat, a man of honesty and humility, a perfect gentleman, a loving husband and an unshakable believer in unity.

THE PUBLISHER, hereby, expresses its sincerest condolences to the family of the late Vice President and to the entire nation for the great loss.

MAY HIS GENTLE SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE.