Overview
Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah‑Arthur (29 April 1951 – 29 June 2018) was a Ghanaian economist, academic and public servant. He is best known for his roles in central banking and in the executive branch of government, serving as Governor of the Bank of Ghana and later as Vice‑President of Ghana. He was born in Cape Coast and spent much of his career in economic policy, financial administration and higher education.
Career and public roles
Amissah‑Arthur combined academic work with public service. He held positions in banking and finance that culminated in his appointment as Governor of the central bank, where he was responsible for monetary policy oversight and financial stability. In August 2012 he became Vice‑President of Ghana, serving in the administration of President John Dramani Mahama until January 2017. His professional life bridged technical economic management and political responsibility.
Responsibilities and achievements
As head of the central bank, Amissah‑Arthur was involved in managing currency policy, banking regulation and efforts to stabilise the financial system. As Vice‑President he acted as a senior adviser and representative for government economic initiatives, participating in national decision‑making and international engagements. Colleagues and commentators often noted his technocratic background and pragmatic approach to policy.
Roles and distinctions
- Academic and economist: known for an analytical approach to public finance and macroeconomic issues.
- Central banker: led the Bank of Ghana and worked on monetary policy implementation and banking supervision.
- Vice‑President: served in the fourth republic, supporting executive governance and policy coordination.
Legacy and public perception
Amissah‑Arthur is remembered for bringing professional economic expertise into both monetary institutions and political office. His career illustrated the movement of specialists between technical economic roles and high political responsibility in modern African governance. Observers credit him with a calm, measured style and a focus on institutional continuity.
Personal life and death
Born in Cape Coast in 1951, Amissah‑Arthur maintained a lower‑profile personal life compared with his public functions. He died of a heart attack in Accra on 29 June 2018 at the age of 67. Contemporary news accounts and tributes recorded his passing and highlighted his contributions to Ghanaian economic and public life; see contemporary reports for more detail about his death and background. For additional context on his work and writings, consult sources linked through institutional profiles and relevant biographies here.