Amissah-Arthur: criticisms forced me to take political lessons

Vice Presidential nominee, Mr. Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, says recent criticisms that he is not politically inclined and lacks the charisma to attract votes for his party in the impending election has coerced him to go through some political lessons.

He explains that though he has been in the forefront of political activities for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the harsh denigrations since his nomination served as a wakeup call.

“Though I joined the NDC before some of the people who are criticizing me of not being a party member joined, I have their criticisms in good faith and taking some political lessons as well,” the outgoing Bank of Ghana Governor humbly submitted.

Mr. Amissah-Arthur said this when answering questions on Monday from members of the Vetting Committee of Parliament, as he seeks their approval to occupy the office of the Vice President.

It would be recalled that the nomination of Mr. Amissah-Arthur last week by President John Mahama triggered widespread criticisms from a section of NDC followers.

Notable among his critics were Eastern Regional Minister, Victor Emmanuel Smith and National Organizer of the NDC, Yaw Boateng Gyan, who suggested a dyed-in- the-wool party member be nominated.

Against this backdrop, he revealed that until his nomination is endorsed by Parliament to hold himself as Vice President, he was not going to resign as Governor of the Central Bank.

He seized the occasion to pledge his relentless support to President John Dramani Mahama in manning the affairs of the nation, if endorsed by the Parliament, and therefore, thanked the party and the President the recognition.**