Amissah-Arthur takes No.2 slot

New Vice-President of Ghana, Paa Kwesi Bekoe-Amissah Arthur leaving the premises of Parliament with his wife after taking of oath of office. Pix by Eric Owiredu

The former Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur, yesterday took the oath of office as the new Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana, following a consensus adopted by the twenty-five member Appointments Committee of Parliament to give approval to his nomination.

After three hours of passing the test of rigorous public scrutiny by the Doe Adjaho-led committee, the stage was now set for the swearing in ceremony of the new Vice-President.

The Majority members of the House, many of who were wearing red arm bands, an indication of their state of sorrow, gave the thumbs up to the new Vice-President for answering the questions posed to him meticulously, after the Appointments Committee read its report.

The report, which took the committee some six hours to prepare after the public vetting of Mr. Amissah-Arthur, was unanimously adopted and approved by the House without any glitch.Amissah-Arthur

Mr. OseiKyeiMensahBonsu, Minority Leader, in seconding the motion, took time to amend some aspects of the report, which had the nominee confirming that in every election year the country experienced some economic instability, giving reference to the 2004 elections.

He expressed the hope that the report of the committee would provide a useful platform to launch the process, 'forth, to wit, perish the thought that it would happen the next time.'

'Madam Speaker, I second the motion, and as indicated, the committee reposed on itself some restraint, and we will believe, maybe, we should even give this event further articulation. It means it will necessary provoke further digression.'

He, therefore, under the circumstances by consensus, recommended the nominee for approval by the House. The Speaker then called for further comments on the nominee, but her attention was drawn to the fact that both sides of the House had agreed in principle, not to comment further on the committee's report.

Mr. Amissah-Arthur was nominated to the second highest position in the Republic by the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Vice-President who took office as President following the demise of the late President John Evans Fiifi Atta Mills, as prescribed by the Constitution.

Article 60 (10) of the Constitution demands that 'The Vice-President shall, upon assuming office as President under clause (6) of this article, nominate a person to the office of Vice-President, subject to approval by Parliament.'

The new Vice-President, who had some of his family members in the House to lend their support, was sworn into office by the Chief Justice, Her Lordship Justice Theodora Georgina Wood.

In taking the oath, Mr. Amissah-Arthur pledged to be faithful and true to the Republic of Ghana; and that he would at all times preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana; and dedicate himself to the service and well-being of the Republic of Ghana, and to do right to all manner of persons.

Moments after taking the oath of office, the Speaker congratulated him on his elevation to the high office of Vice-President.

In response to his new found office, the Vice-President thanked President Mahama for the honour done him by nominating him to the position of Vice-President.

He also thanked the Members of Parliament for their profound commitment in supervising the smooth transition of power without any hitches.

He extended a hand of friendship to the many people who called to wish him well, and prayed for his nomination to the position of Vice-President.

By Stephen Odoi-Larbi