IN accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, President John Dramani Mahama was sworn into office on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 following the sudden death of President John Evans Atta Mills. Mahama has now nominated the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Mr. Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, to be his vice and the second in command in state affairs.
The central bank governor was selected ahead of a list of other possible personalities, including renowned economist and former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kwesi Botchwey, and current Minister of Trade, Hannah Tetteh.
WITH this nomination, Mr. Amissah-Arthur would become the natural vice presidential candidate of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the December polls. He also becomes the second person in succession to have been chosen as a vice presidential candidate from the central bank, after Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP.)
THOUGH his nomination is subject to the approval of Parliament, it is widely believed that the House would approve his nomination since the legislators are not noted for disapproving the appointments of national administration. We on Today take that position because all of Ghana has ever witnessed to instances when an appointee brings to the Vetting Committee issues and cases of incompetence that must, automatically, disqualify them and yet they pass.
HIS election has aroused various public sentiments and comments as his suitability or otherwise for the high post of second gentleman of the land. As usual, the NPP has led the pack making an argument we disagree with, but in a culture of democracy and free speech, they and others who hold similar views are entitled to their point-of-view.
WE are of the opinion that it is not for nothing that political pundits of both main political parties in the country have decided to pick someone with economic know-how to be vice president or running mate for the high office of the land. For us on Today, that contemporary focus points in only one direction: The economy of Ghana is in shambles and the presidential hopefuls seek to have close, in the presidency, a technocrat to help him revamp it.
AS an expert and someone who has served in different national portfolios related to his background, it is our hope that he brings on-board his rich experiences in the various capacities he has ever worked to change the dashed hopes of Ghanaians in raising the fortunes of our economy.
IT is our hope that where he could not hold it, he now has what it takes to be the redeemer for the falling cedi, since he will soon be at the centre of where all the policies are made.
AS vice president, Mr. Amissah-Arthur becomes the automatic Chairman of the Police Council. We also expect that he could take steps to boost the efficiency of the service by raising for them equipment and logistics to help them maintain peace and order in the country before, during and after the December polls.
IT is also our hope that he rises above the partisan-political motives for his nominations to become one of the best if not the best vice presidents Ghana has ever had.
nanakwakunti 