COMMENTARY ON THE SWEARING IN OF KWESI AMISSAH ARTHUR AS VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF GHANA

Another page has indeed been opened in Ghana's democratic history with the swearing in of Kwesi Amissah Arthur as the Vice President of Ghana. Mr. Amissah Arthur will be partnering President John Dramani Mahama for the next four months to complete the tenure of the late President Atta Mills. President Mahama nominated Mr. Amissah Arthur then Governor of the Bank of Ghana when he succeeded late President Atta Mills who died suddenly before his tenure could end. Even though the constitution is silent on the mode of appointment of Vice Presidents, the Appointments Committee of Parliament insisted on vetting Mr. Amissah Arthur out of precedence and best practice elsewhere. Whatever it is, Mr. Amissah Arthur showed the stuff he was made of and silenced all doubting Thomases as to his capability. His three hour grilling at the Appointments Committee gave him out as somebody with deep understanding of the political terrain, a potential who is well cut for the job he in taking on. One issue that came out at the vetting was an allegation over his sexuality. This follows insinuations cast in the media that he was gay. The question was of course not unexpected. Mr. Amissah Arthur's composure and brilliant explanation really silenced his accusers.

Our expectations of public office holders and people in authority are at times beyond what they could endure. We make unnecessary demands on them sometimes to make them dip their hands into State Coffers. Mr. Amissah Arthur's experience must be an eye-opener to all those who hold public office to be wary of people closer to them. It is important that we act fast when some unsubstantiated allegations are made against us. The law of defamation is there to protect public office holders and prominent personalities when their names are dragged in the mud. Mr. Amissah Arthur indeed made President Mahama who appointed him proud and by extension his party, the NDC.

Now that he is Vice President he must quickly link up to the party's foot soldiers and identify with the leadership. These are the people who will be determining his fate if he should seek to be considered as running mate to President Mahama as flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress, NDC, in the December Elections. Now that he is Vice President, Mr. Amissah Arthur, will be assuming the new role of Head of the Economic Advisory Committee. This is indeed an onerous responsibility which when well executed will lay credence to his wonderful performance at the Central Bank where due to his pragmatism and dexterity, he was able to help shape the economy, keeping inflation at Single digit for quite a considerable length of time. As we welcome our new Vice President to office, it is our hope that he will help shoulder the responsibility of the President who in the last weeks has overworked himself due to circumstances beyond his control. We expect Mr. Amissah Arthur together with President Mahama to lift high the flag of Ghana and uphold the dignity of the Presidency. Ghana's democracy has received international acclaim. There is therefore no looking back. As we mourn our beloved Professor Atta Mills the best tribute President Mahama and Mr. Amissah Arthur can give is to continue his good works so that the Better Ghana that the late President envisaged can be achieved. We say Ayekoo to our new leaders.

BY: JUSTICE MINGLE, A JOURNALIST .