President Akufo-Addo leads social media tribute for Kofi Annan

Accra, Aug.  18, GNA - Shortly after the confirmation of the demise of the legendary Kofi Annan by the Kofi Annan Foundation and the Annan family, the President of the Republic of Ghana has led in the expression of sorrow.

“I have directed that, in his honour, Ghana’s national flag will fly at half-mast across the country and in all of Ghana’s diplomatic missions across the world, from Monday, 20th August, 2018, for one week. Rest in perfect peace, Kofi. You have earned it. God bless.”

Many renowned people around the world are pouring in their tributes, with some sharing fond memories they had with him through world forums and other platforms.

The President, in a tweet said: “I extend, on behalf of the entire Ghanaian nation, our sincere, heartfelt condolences to his beloved widow, Nane Maria, and to his devoted children, Ama, Kojo and Nina, on this great loss.”

“Undoubtedly, he excelled in the various undertakings of his life, leaving in his trail most pleasant memories. His was a life well-lived,”

Zeid Raad Al Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in a tweet he was grief-stricken over Annan's death.

He said: “I am grief-stricken over the death of Kofi Annan. Kofi was the epitome of human decency and grace. In a world now filled with leaders who are anything but that, the world’s loss becomes even more painful. He was a friend to thousands and a leader of millions.”

Madam Thereza May, the British Prime Minister, said in a tweet that: “Sad to hear of the death of Kofi Annan. A great leader and reformer of the UN, he made a huge contribution to making the world he has left a better place than the one he was born into. My thoughts and condolences are with his family.

Mr Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of North Atlantic Treaty Organization, said in a tweet: “Saddened to hear that Kofi Annan has passed away. His warmth should never be mistaken for weakness.

Annan showed that one can be a great humanitarian and a strong leader at the same time. The UN and the world have lost one of their giants,” he added.

Mr Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister, said "the world has lost not only a great African diplomat and humanitarian but also a conscience keeper of international peace and security".

The family and the foundation named after him said Kofi Annan, the former Secretary General of the United Nations and Nobel Peace Laureate, passed away peacefully on Saturday 18th August after a short illness. His wife Nane and their children Ama, Kojo and Nina were by his side during his last days.

Kofi Annan was a global statesman and a deeply committed internationalist who fought throughout his life for a fairer and more peaceful world.

During his distinguished career and leadership of the United Nations, he was an ardent champion of peace, sustainable development, human rights and the rule of law.

After stepping down from the United Nations, he continued to work tirelessly in the cause of peace through his chairmanship of the Kofi Annan Foundation and as chair of The Elders, the group founded by Nelson Mandela. He was an inspiration to young and old alike.

Kofi Annan was a son of Ghana and felt a special responsibility towards Africa.  He was particularly committed to African development and deeply engaged in many initiatives, including his chairmanship of the Africa Progress Panel and his early leadership of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

Wherever there was suffering or need, he reached out and touched many people with his deep compassion and empathy.

He selflessly placed others first, radiating genuine kindness, warmth and brilliance in all he did. 

He will be greatly missed by so many around the world, as well as his staff at the Foundation and his many former colleagues in the United Nations system.  He will remain in our hearts forever.

GNA

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