The Ghana Contingent serving with the United Nations Peace Support Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), said they have lost a beacon who has contributed significantly towards the maintenance of peace in the world.
Kofi Annan fell ill on his way back from South Africa (the Mandela centenary)
But as directed by the UN Headquarters, the troops have also held a solemn memorial ceremony in honour of the departed former UN Secretary General at the Ghanaian Battalion (GHANBATT) Headquarters in Kinshasa.
In a tribute, Brigadier General Emmanuel Kotia, the Contingent Commander and the Commander of Western Sector, MONUSCO, described Kofi Annan as a humble man who spurred on many young people
“Kofi Annan exhibited humility, good humour, courtesy and charm throughout his public life and as a Global Leader for peace, security and sustainable development. He displayed enormous wisdom and strength; and was a role model to aspiring young men and women leaders globally”.
The ceremony was meant for the troops to show their recognition for the service of the former Secretary General towards global peace.
It was led by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Baba Pantoah.
Prayers were said, the last post was sounded, and followed by a one minute of silence for the departed soul of the former UN Secretary General.
The ceremony ended with the sounding of the Reveille after which the UN, Ghana and the GHANBATT flags were hoisted at half-mast in honour of Mr Annan.
The flags would continue to fly at half-mast until Sunday August 26, 2018 as a sign of respect to the late Kofi Annan, who is also a noble Statesman of Ghana.
Akufo-Addo announces state burial for Kofi Annan
President Akufo-Addo has announced a state burial for former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
The President made the announcement when the family of the global peace icon called on him at the Jubilee House in Accra on Friday (August 24, 2018).
Akufo-Addo, who proposed Thursday, September 13, 2018, for the burial, said the government will take full responsibility of the ceremony.
He further revealed that Kofi Annan will be buried at the new military cemetery at Burma Camp in Accra.
About Kofi Annan
The 80-year old Ghanaian diplomat served as the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 1997 to December 2006.
Annan and the UN were the co-recipients of the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize.
He was awarded the Peace Prize for having revitalized the UN and for having given priority to human rights.
The Nobel Committee also recognized his commitment to the struggle of containing the spread of HIV in Africa and his declared opposition to international terrorism.
He is the founder and Chairman of the Kofi Annan Foundation, as well as chairman of The Elders, an international organization founded by Nelson Mandela.
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