Jonathan Kwesi Lamptey was a Ghanaian politician. He was a senior figure in the CPP who later joined the opposition, subsequently playing leading roles in the government of the second republic.

Early life and education

He was born in Sekondi on 10 May 1909. He was educated locally, attending Mfantsipim School which he completed in 1931. He then proceeded to Exeter University and the University of London.

Career

His career began as a science teacher at Fijai Secondary School, Sekondi. He got trained and practiced as a lawyer. He became deputy chairman of the CPP in 1950 and in 1951 he was elected into the legislative assembly of Sekondi and became junior minister of finance.

Following the 1966 coup he was made Chairman of the State Gold Mining cooperation. In the Second Republic of Ghana, he served as acting prime minister he also served as Minister for Defence from 1969 to 1971 and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs from 1971 to 1972 when the Busia government was overthrown by the SMC.

Lamptey also served as the Leader of the House of Parliament of Ghana in 1971. Following the 1972 coup, he retired from active politics to continue his legal career in Sekondi.