Members of Parliament (MP) on both sides of the House have expressed grief and shock at the sudden death of the former Vice President, Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur.

His death, they said was a blow not just to his family and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) – the party in which he was a leading member, but to the entire nation.

Mr. Amissah-Arthur, Ghana’s sixth Vice President, reportedly collapsed whilst exercising at the Air Force Mess Gymnasium and was rushed to the 37 Military Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

News about his death delayed the sitting of Parliament on Friday for hours - took time for it to sink in.

The MPs paid tribute to the sublime qualities of humility, good sense of humour and politeness of the man who served as Vice President from August 06, 2012 until January 07, 2017.

Major (retired) Derek Oduro, Deputy Minister for Defence and MP for Nkoranza North, said: “he exhibited a very good character in public life and service”.

He added that his death was a loss to the country and had once again brought to the fore the need for public office holders to pay more attention to their health.

Ras Mubarak, MP for Kumbungu, eulogized the former Vice President, saying, he was an embodiment of humility.

Deputy Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, who is the MP for Okaikoi Central, Patrick Boamah, said “it is a sad day for all of us. He has paid his dues.

I remember him for his humility, he was approachable, and had a good sense of humour”.

Dr. Mrs Bernice Adiku Heloo, MP for Hohoe former Deputy Minister of Environment and Science, expressed deep shock and extended condolences to the wife and children.

The late Vice President, an economist, academic and politician, was born on April 29, 1951.

Mr. Amissah-Arthur was Vice President from August 06, 2012, until January 7, 2017.

He also at different points in time served as a Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Planning and Governor of the Bank of Ghana.

He is survived by a wife Matilda and two adult children.